Road Accidents caused by poor signage

If you have been involved in a road accident caused by poor signage then you may be able to make a claim for compensation.

Hundreds of road accidents happen each year due to poor or misleading road signs resulting in injury. Poor signage can be;

• Unclear signs,
• Obscured signs (possibly a tree)
• Incorrect directions and/ or instructions.

It is the local authority’s duty of care to ensure that the signs are maintained. Unfortunately this doesn’t automatically make an accident their fault.

The signs could have been vandalised by individuals meaning the information on them is unclear.  There could also be a language barrier where you could not understand what the sign says which may result in road accidents caused by poor signage with other road users.

Making a claim for road accidents caused by poor signage

Before considering a claim, you may want to understand how the local authority had failed to take adequate steps to ensure the road signage could have been sufficient or unobstructed. Quite often lack of inspections or proper inspections can lead to poor maintenance of signage.

This may be down to failed inspection or they may not have been aware of any issues surrounding the signs as nothing was reported.

If you have suffered an accident caused by poor signage you should report the incident to the local authority and when doing so ask the local authority when the signage was last inspected and maintained. Also report the accident to the police and request a visit at the scene.

Gather together as much information and evidence as you can at the time of the accident including:

• Date, time & location
• Witness details
• Photographs of the sign(s)
• Photographs of the scene of the accident
• Photographs of any visible injuries.

This information will assist when you come to make a claim.

If you have suffered an accident due to poor signage you may be able to make a claim for general damages.  The following will be taken into account:

• Pain and suffering following the accident
• Loss of earnings
• Loss of future earnings
• Medical treatment costs
• Travel expenses
• Damage to your vehicle and any personal items damaged as a result of the accident

Keep all your receipts as proof of the costs as evidence to support your claim and your wage slips is claiming for loss of earnings.

How much can I claim for a road accident caused by poor signage

The amount of compensation depends on the individual circumstances.

The decision may focus on:

• Whether there are any long lasting effects following an accident due to poor signage,
• What damage has been caused and
• Any other factors it feels should be taken into account on information put forward

For example if there is a serious injury which has caused life changing injuries then this will be taken into consideration.  There may also be other factors like, Adaptions to the home, personal care, mobility requirements and any further ongoing medical treatment.

When the claim is complex then interim payments may be awarded to assist with costs which are a result of the accident.

No Win No Fee Road Accidents Caused by Poor Signage Claims

Before making a claim for a road accident caused by poor road signage you may wish to discuss your case with an expert lawyer. We offer FREE consultations on our personal injury services,

1Solictors are proud to offer road accidents caused by poor signage compensation claims under the umbrella of their no win no fee service.

For more information, you can request a call back or call us on 0330 053 7117