Victims Of Road Accidents Abroad Could Miss Out On Compensation8th Apr 2016
UK holidaymakers injured in accidents abroad could be missing out on compensation because they don’t know their rights under EU law, warn solicitors Coles Miller.
Victims can use the English courts to claim compensation for car crashes and other accidents in the European Economic Area (EEA).
Coles Miller personal injury executive Brian Parsons – who is recommended in the Legal 500 guide to Britain’s top lawyers – has been acting for a number of victims injured in road accidents in France.
They include a Somerset motorcyclist who suffered broken ribs, a fractured wrist and multiple soft tissue injuries after being knocked off his bike by Dutch campervan near Saint-Lô, Normandy.
Mr Parsons said: “It’s wrong to assume that compensation claims must be made in the country where the accident happened – you can claim in the English courts.
“The fourth and fifth EU Motor Insurance Directives make it compulsory for all European insurers to appoint UK representatives to handle road traffic accident claims on their behalf.
“This scheme provides a straightforward means of negotiation – avoiding procedural and language difficulties,” he added.
But it is important to claim quickly because time limits vary between countries.
Countries covered by the scheme include Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and the UK.
Coles Miller is a Legal 500 recommended firm and is accredited by the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers (APIL).
Its solicitors have specialist expertise and experience in handling serious personal injury and medical negligence compensation claims from all over the country – notably cases involving head and brain injuries.
Coles Miller also helps clients with conveyancing, family law, wills and probate, residential leasehold law, commercial law, debt recovery and litigation.
The 13-partner firm employs around 120 staff at its offices in Poole, Bournemouth, Christchurch, Broadstone and Wimborne.
For more information about accident compensation claims, contact Coles Miller personal injury executive Brian Parsons, 01202 355695.
This document is not intended to constitute and should not be used as a substitute for legal advice on any specific matter. No liability for the accuracy of the content of this document, or the consequences of relying on it, is assumed by the author. If you seek further information, please contact Managing Partner Neil Andrews at Coles Miller Solicitors LLP.
