HGV Accident Claims
If you’ve been involved in an accident with a Heavy Goods Vehicle, we could help you claim compensation via an HGV accident claim.
100% No Win No Fee
HGV Accident Claims
If you’ve been involved in an accident with a Heavy Goods Vehicle, we could help you claim compensation via an HGV accident claim.
Being involved in a road accident with a heavy goods vehicle can turn your life upside down in seconds. HGV accident claims often arise from serious incidents that leave people facing not only physical injuries but also financial losses and emotional distress. If you’ve found yourself in this situation, you’re not alone—these accidents are more common than many realise and can have a lasting impact on your daily life.
This guide walks you through everything you need to know about HGV accident claims. You’ll learn about the criteria for making a claim, how to prove liability, what compensation you could receive, and how the claims process works. Whether you were a driver, passenger, or pedestrian, understanding your rights is the first step towards recovery.
If you want to find out more or need immediate support, keep reading or get in touch by calling 0330 043 2925 or completing our Contact Us form.
We Can Help With All Types Of Accidents
Whether you’ve suffered an injury in an accident at work, because of medical negligence or you’ve been involved in a car crash, we are here to help you seek compensation for your suffering.
Understanding HGV Accident Claims
HGV accident claims may arise if you’ve sustained injuries in a collision involving a heavy goods vehicle (HGV) and another party may be at fault. Claims could relate to incidents affecting drivers, passengers, cyclists, motorbike users or pedestrians. The weight and size of these vehicles often lead to more serious harm, including whiplash or life-changing injuries, compared to standard car accidents.
A successful claim usually relies on demonstrating that the HGV driver, employer or another road user breached their duty of care, contributing to the accident. For example, overtaking dangerously, tailgating, not following road signs, or failing to account for blind spots are all factors that a panel solicitor might investigate when determining liability.
If the collision involved a foreign-registered HGV or occurred due to employer negligence, extra steps may be necessary. A solicitor from our panel could guide you on pursuing a road traffic accident claim or gathering evidence, such as CCTV, witness statements, and police reports, to support your case.
For tailored advice on HGV accident claims, please get in touch to discuss your circumstances with a member of our team.
Common Causes Of HGV Accidents
Common causes of HGV accidents often relate to driver actions, vehicle condition, and external factors like road quality. Understanding these primary risks may help you assess whether you could start an HGV accident claim if you’ve been involved in a collision.
Driver Error And Fatigue
Driver error and fatigue contribute significantly to many HGV accidents. Frequent factors include:
Fatigue from exceeding recommended driving times
Tailgating or failing to keep a safe distance
Distraction by mobile phone use or in-cab technology
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
These behaviours could result in severe collisions and injuries, such as neck injuries, particularly due to the size and weight of HGVs. If you have evidence of such errors, a member of our team could explain your options for an HGV accident claim.
Vehicle Maintenance Issues
Vehicle maintenance issues often play a critical role in HGV accidents. Possible maintenance failures include:
Defective brakes or worn tyres
Faulty steering or lighting systems
Overloaded trailers or incorrect loading procedures
These failings may increase the likelihood of losing control or causing severe injuries on the road. If you suspect maintenance issues led to your accident, why not get in touch for free support with starting an HGV accident claim.
Poor Road Conditions
Poor road conditions may cause or contribute to HGV accidents, particularly in adverse weather. Typical hazards involve:
Potholes, debris or uneven road surfaces
Inadequate signage or worn road markings
Flooding or ice during winter months
Unsafe roads can reduce traction and control, worsening outcomes for HGV accidents. If poor road conditions played a part in your injury, please get in touch to discuss your potential HGV accident claim and the evidence needed to pursue compensation.
The Process Of Making An HGV Accident Claim
The process for starting an HGV accident claim involves gathering evidence, determining who is responsible, and calculating compensation. A member of our team could help make this smoother by guiding you through key steps.
Gathering Evidence
Evidence forms the foundation of an HGV accident claim. A solicitor from our panel could help collect:
Photographs or video footage of the scene, vehicles, and any visible injuries
Witness contact details
Dashcam or CCTV recordings if available
Medical records relating to your treatment
Details of the driver’s insurance and vehicle registration
For more support with gathering evidence for your HGV accident claim, please get in touch.
Determining Liability
Establishing who is legally responsible is crucial in HGV accident claims. A solicitor from our panel may:
Check if the HGV driver or employer breached their duty of care
Examine police or incident reports
Review statements from witnesses
Evaluate whether vehicle maintenance, driver error, or employer negligence contributed
For specific advice about determining liability in your HGV accident claim, why not get in touch to learn more.
Calculating Compensation
Compensation for HGV accident claims usually accounts for:
Physical and psychological injuries, for example whiplash
Financial losses, including loss of earnings and medical expenses
Costs for damaged property or future care requirements
Each claim varies, so your potential compensation will reflect the unique circumstances of your case. If you’d like a clearer estimate based on your own HGV accident claim, why not ask one of our team for tailored guidance.
Tips For A Successful HGV Accident Claim
Following key steps may support your HGV accident claim:
Capture Evidence Promptly: Collect clear photographs from the scene, the vehicles, road layout, and visible injuries as soon as possible. Statements from witnesses and dashcam footage may also help.
Report the Accident Properly: Notify the police if necessary under the Road Traffic Act 1988. Make sure you get a reference number if the police attend.
Record Medical Details: Seek prompt medical attention for any injuries. Keep copies of reports, diagnoses, and treatment plans. A solicitor from our panel could gather your medical records as evidence.
Track All Expenses: Keep receipts and proof of costs related to the accident, such as vehicle damage, transport, and medical treatment. Time off work and lost income may be considered.
Check Details with Foreign HGVs: If the lorry involved is foreign-registered, note the country of origin, registration, and insurance details. This could support complex liability queries.
Work with a Solicitor from Our Panel: A solicitor may analyse liability and handle negotiations, freeing you from direct involvement with insurers or complex legal points.
Exploring your options for an HGV accident claim could feel complex. If you’d like tailored guidance, please reach out to a member of our team for experienced support.
Claims Involving Foreign Heavy Goods Vehicles
Claims involving foreign heavy goods vehicles on UK roads may bring added complexity, as international drivers work under different jurisdictions and insurance arrangements. You could still start a road traffic accident claim if a foreign HGV driver caused your injuries. All HGV drivers operating in the UK must follow local road laws and have valid vehicle documentation according to UK legislation. If you’ve been involved in such an accident, key evidence you might gather includes:
The vehicle’s registration details and country of origin
The driver’s name, contact, and employer details
Photographs of the scene and vehicles
Witness statements and police reference numbers
A solicitor from our panel could trace the driver or company using international agreements and databases, though timeframes may vary depending on the country involved. Compensation may still cover medical costs, lost earnings, and vehicle repairs following an accident with a foreign-registered HGV. If you’re unsure about the process or want to know how to begin a claim against a foreign driver, please get in touch for guidance on your HGV accident claim.
HGV Claims Time Limits
Strict time limits apply when starting an HGV accident claim. Most people have 3 years from the date of the accident to begin a claim, as per the Limitation Act 1980. Specific exceptions could extend this period:
Claims involving children: A parent or guardian may claim at any stage before the child turns 18. If no claim is made, the 3-year period begins once the child reaches 18.
Claimants lacking mental capacity: No time limit applies while mental capacity is absent. A claim can start at any time while this remains unchanged.
Fatal HGV accidents: Family members may have 3 years from the date of death to claim, if the person passes away within three years of the accident.
Missing the time limit could mean a solicitor from our panel is unable to begin your case. For queries about starting an HGV accident claim within the relevant time limit, why not ask a member of our team about your options?
We Can Help You Get The Compensation And Justice You're Entitled To
We Can Help You Get The Compensation And Justice You're Entitled To
No Win No Fee HGV Compensation Claims
No Win No Fee HGV compensation claims allow you to start a claim without paying upfront legal costs. If your claim doesn’t succeed, you won’t pay solicitor fees, reducing your financial risk. Typically, a solicitor from our panel only deducts their agreed fee after a successful outcome, so your compensation isn’t affected by hidden charges.
No Win No Fee agreements may suit those recovering from major HGV accident injuries such as whiplash or fractures. Your eligibility for this type of agreement depends on your case’s merits, which a team member can assess for you.
If you want to know whether a No Win No Fee HGV accident claim could be available in your situation, please get in touch with a member of our team for tailored support.
Contact Our Advice Centre To Start A Claim
We are here to help if you’d like to begin an HGV accident compensation claim. If you or your loved one have suffered after an accident involving an HGV, why not get in touch today?
You can contact our specialist advisors by calling 0330 043 2925 or completing our Contact Us form.
We offer free initial consultations along with legal advice on how much compensation you could be entitled to. Please feel free to contact us if you need to know more.
Contact Us
If you’d like to enquire to see if you can make a compensation claim, please complete the form here. We’ll get back in touch with you as soon as we can.
