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Wed 1st August 2007
National Road Victim Month

August 1st marks the start of National Road Victim Month one of Bedfordshire and Northamptonshires leading law firms Park Woodfine Heald Mellows LLP says staying calm is the most important - and often most difficult - thing to do after an incident.

Although the numbers of crashes are dropping year-on-year, Ian Pears of  Park Woodfine Heald Mellows LLP says it is more important than ever for people to be aware of their rights and the correct course of action in the event of a crash.

"Much of the best advice you would give to someone in these situations is just good common sense, but unfortunately this can be the first thing to go when the worst happens.

"It is particularly crucial if people have been hurt - their lives may depend on the actions of those nearby, so staying cool and acting correctly is critical. A crash can be a life-changing event and if someone is seriously hurt they may need to make a legal claim further down the line - acting properly at this early stage could be vital for their long-term well-being.

"The first thing to do is call the emergency services if anyone is injured. Even if nobody is hurt, the police should be contacted and names, addresses and vehicle details should always be exchanged.

"People should try to relax, collect their thoughts and write down exactly what happened as soon as they are able to do so, signing and dating the document. Preparing a sketch of the incident will also help solicitors, insurers and police.

"Crashes are caused by a variety of factors, such as speed, tiredness, lack of concentration, alcohol consumption, vehicle and road defects, or dangerous driving. If there is ever any doubt over who is at fault, legal advice should be sought straight away."

The majority of drivers involved in crashes will not seek compensation, but it is possible to do so if they have suffered pain, loss of quality of life or financial loss.

Again, it is important to seek professional advice and to look for a reputable solicitor - one who has a good record of success and who is used to handling road traffic-related claims."

August has been named National Road Victim Month since 1998 because the first ever victim of a road crash was killed in August 1896.

To find out how Park Woodfine Heald Mellows LLP can help you please click here or contact us by clicking here

 

 

 

 

Park Woodfine Heald Mellows LLP

Park Woodfine Heald Mellows (PWHM) LLP was established in March 2007, a merger of Park Woodfine and Heald Mellows law firms.  Both firms were most recently based in the Bedford and Northamptonshire areas. 

Heald has existed in various forms since 1800.  Park Woodfine was established in 1966 and rapidly grew into one of the leading law firms in Bedfordshire and South Northamptonshire.

In 2004, Heald merged with Mellows of Bedford in June, with the addition of two partners and other staff. The Bedford office was subsequently known as 'Heald Mellows solicitors' to reflect the merger.

Park Woodfine became Park Woodfine LLP on 1st April 2006, retaining "Park Woodfine" as its trading name and in July 2006, Heald became Heald Mellows Solicitors a limited liability partnership based in Bedford.

At PWHM there are currently 10 Partners, 24 fee earners and a total staff in excess of 90. There is a good balance between maturity and youth within the firm.

PWHM have teams specialising in: Commercial Law, Family Law, Charity Law, Wills, Trusts and Probate Law, Property Law, Personal Injury Law, and Medical Accident Law. 

For further information, please contact:

Paul J Westerman, Head of Marketing

Park Woodfine Heald Mellows LLP

Tel: 01234 400 000

Email: pwesterman@pwhmllp.com

web: www.pwhmllp.com