The Road Safety Foundation has released a new report showing startling new figures on road accidents.  The report, "Saving Lives For Less" looks at road crashes and collisions in Britain. It identifies that 10% of our motorways and A roads have an unacceptably high risk of serious or fatal collisions. It also reveals that one third of all fatal and serious car collisions or road accidents occur at junctions.

It also revealed the Briton's most persistently dangerous road as the A537 Macclesfield to Buxton (also known as the Cat and Fiddle) and the highest risk road (where motorbikes are excluded) as the A18 Ludborough to Laceby road.

The aim of the Road Safety Foundation is to try and target funds to help make higher risk roads safer and to particularly target accident blackspots to try and ultimately reduce the number or serious road accidents and fatal collision.

At Freeclaim Solicitors, we have a dedicated road accident compensation team who specialise in whiplash compensation claims, car accident claims, motorbike accident compensation and other road traffic compensation claims. Call our 24hr road traffic compensation helpline today on 0800 24 3 409. Nothing to pay, win or lose, and 100% compensation guaranteed.

A new report shows a shocking increase in deaths from the asbestos related disease mesothelioma in Derby and South Derbyshire. The shocking statistics released show how common deaths due to asbestos related illnesses are with Derby's coroner investigating more than one death a week.

Local MPs and union officials are calling for the government to take urgent action and ensure a fairer compensation system.

Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that is almost always caused by previous exposure to asbestos and is often called the "hidden killer" as it can develop many years after exposure to asbestos.

At Freeclaim Solicitorws, we have extensive experience in successfully pursuing compensation claims for asbestosis and mesothelioma. If you've been affected by asbestos and would like to find out more, call our specialist compensation solicitors on 0800 24 34 09 or contact us online.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) have warned building firms in Manchester to improve their safety standards to prevent accidents at work. Nearly 180 formal warnings were issued last year to construction firms about working at height.

More than 100 roofers across Greater Manchester are now being encouraged to attend a free safety awareness event or risk an unannounced visit from an inspector. The HSE is concerned that some building companies are allowing employees to work at height without the necessary scaffolding or other safety equipment.

Falls from height are the biggest single cause of workplace fatalities in the UK.

A spokesman from the HSE commented, "Falls from height kill dozens of workers every year and seriously injure hundreds more. But the number of deaths will carry on rising if firms don't accept they're putting their workers in danger." 

If you've been injured after a fall or other accident at work, call our work injury lawyers today on 0800 24 34 09 or contact us online. All accident compensation claims are handled on a no win no fee basis so there's nothing to pay (win or lose) and you keep 100% compensation.

A cyclist has won nearly £17,000 in accident compensation following an accident caused by a sunken drain.

The drain was hidden due to flooding and caused the cyclist to be thrown from her bike. She suffered a broken arm and facial injuries.

She received the injury compensation after the local council admitted liability and settled her accident claim.

If you've suffered injury following a cycling accident or other road accident, call Freeclaim accident compensation solicitors today on 0800 24 34 09 - there's nothing to pay and you receive 100% compensation.

A 59 year old man has received £17,000 compensation for his injuries after a serious accident at work. The man suffered partial paralysis to his right hand after a crane accident on a construction site.

The accident happened when steel bars fell from a crane. The man cannot use his right arm and also has restricted mobility in his right leg and has had a metal plate inserted in his head.

Following a Health & Safety Executive(HSE) investigation, the employer's were also fined £2,000.

Construction accidents can be particularly serious therefore we would always advise employees to seek advice from experienced work injury solicitors. With over 25 years experience, Freeclaim accident at work and work injury compensation solicitors can give you expert advice - call our 24 hour accident advice helpline on 0800 24 34 09.

The ABI (Association of British Insurers) have welcomed changes to the car accident compensation claims process which came into effect at the end of April.

The key changes effect car accident and car crash compensation claims that are valued between £1,000 and £10,000 which is the majority of road traffic claims. However, any car accident compensation claims valued over £10,000 will not come under the new system.

The new system is hoped to speed up the process whereby an insurer must decide on liability within 15 days of being informed of a car crash compensation claim.

The ABI commented, "We expect that these changes will be the start of wider ranging reforms to ensure that more claimants benefit from a simpler and speedier compensation process."

Freeclaim Personal Injury Solicitors have a dedicated road accident compensation team who specialise in whiplash compensation claims, car accident claims, motorbike accident compensation and other road traffic compensation claims. If you've been injured in a car crash or other road accident, call our road accident compensation lawyers today on 0800 24 34 09 or contact us online.

There have been further warnings on scam compensation claim text messages sent out to mobile phone numbers alerting users to the possibility that they could be owed compensation for an accident. They are general messages sent randomly with many mobile phone users having not even had an accident.

The messages are along the lines of: "Our records indicate you may be entitled to 3750 pounds for the accident you had. To claim for free reply YES to this message. To opt out text STOP."

A spokesman from Vodafone commented, "This is definitely a scam. It's likely that it is the start of a phishing scam that often will attempt to extract personal financial information."

At Freeclaim accident solicitors, we've also had many of our clients and staff being targeted with such. We would warn all mobile phone users who receive such unsolicited accident claims messages to ensure that they never reveal any financial information and to report the message to the mobile phone network.

If you have had an accident and would like further advice on making a claim, always ensure you use a reputable personal injury solicitor. For advice on starting an accident compensation claim, call Freeclaim accident solicitors today on 0800 24 34 09 (open 24 hrs) or contact one of our injury lawyers online.

A court has ruled that hundreds of victims who suffered chemical burns from sofas will receive compensation.

A number of high street retailers, including Argos and Homebase, have been ordered to pay compensation ranging from £1,175 to £9,000 to customers who received the chemical burns from the "toxic sofas". However customers who bought sofas from Land of Leather will not get any compensation due to an earlier ruling after the retailer went into administration.

It is estimated that up to 100,000 sofas were sold which contained the anti-fungal agent DMF which caused the burns and other conditions. The chemical agent DMF has now been banned in at least fiver EU countries.

There is still further legal action pending over further cases.

If you've suffered an injury due to faulty goods, you may have a claim for compensation. To find out more, call our personal injury solicitors on 0800 24 34 09 or contact Freeclaim Solicitors online.

A female HGV driver has won £13,500 in work accident compensation after developing a Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) to her elbow. The work injury developed after she was forced to continually attach brakes to her HGV twice a day. She complained at work but said that her employers would not listen.

The lorry driver commented about her injuries, "My elbow still causes me pain every day and it makes it difficult to lift and carry. I try hard just to put up with it. "

Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) describes a range of painful conditions (including tenderness and throbbing) of the muscles, tendons and other soft tissues. It is caused by repetitive use of part of the body and is usually related to a job or occupation and therefore classed as a workplace personal injury. 

If you suffer from RSI, Freeclaim Solicitors can help you make a work injury compensation claim. Call 0800 24 34 09 to speak to a work injury solicitor in confidence or contact Freeclaim work accident solicitors online.

The wife of a 61 year old welder who tragically died from an asbestos related industrial disease after working in power stations is seeking compensation.

Mr. Peter Wright was diagnosed with malignant melanoma, a form of skin cancer, and tragically died last year of a haemorrhage bought on by his illness. The post mortem examination showed that Mr. Wright had asbestos fibres in his lungs. His wife Gail told the Derby Telegraph, " I'm satisfied that the period of exposure was from 1971 to 1976 and with that coupled with the fact the pathologist found asbestos fibres, there is no doubt in my mind that asbestos was the cause of the malignant melanoma. "

Her husband had worked in cooling towers as a fitter welder from 1971 - 1976. At that time, during his work as a welder, he was not given protective clothing or breathing gear. Known as the "hidden killer" the length of time that symptoms of the asbestos related illnesses appear from the initial exposure to asbestos can be many years, even decades as shown in this particular case.

Asbestos was extensively used in building and construction work in the 1950s to the 1980s - particularly in factories, schools, hospitals and in the railways. It is when the asbestos fibres become airborne that there are inherent risks. According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), every week 4 plumbers, 20 tradesmen, 6 electricians and 8 joiners tragically die from asbestos related illnesses.

At Freeclaim Solicitors, we have specialist compensation lawyers experienced in asbestos related diseases such as melanoma, asbestosis and mesothelioma. As many asbestos claims can relate to a workplace or environment from many years ago, it is very important to speak to experienced personal injury solicitors who have the investigative knowledge to trace former employers and their insurers.

For advice on whether you can make a workplace compensation claim for an asbestos related illness, call Freeclaim Solicitors in confidence on 0800 24 34 09 or contact our industrial disease lawyers online and we'll call you back.

A 53 year old motorcyclist has won substantial damages, receiving £1.25 million in compensation.

Stuart Bridge was travelling to work when he was knocked off his bike in a horrific motorbike accident by an uninsured driver. He suffered serious brain injuries and a fractured spine and pelvis. And has since been unable to work and suffers long term health problems.

The uninsured driver pleaded guilty to driving without due care and attention and to driving without insurance. The motorbike accident compensation claim was dealt with by the MIB (Motor Insurers' Bureau) who pay compensation to road accident victims of uninsured drivers.

Stuart Bridge was awarded £1.25 million pounds in his compensation claim and an additional annual payment of £57,500 to pay for his care.

Unfortunately, motorbike accidents can be extremely serious. Freeclaim motorbike accident solicitors have extensive experience in helping motorbike victims who have suffered serious spinal and head injuries recover their rightful compensation after an accident. If you have been involved in a serious road accident, ensure you contact solicitors who have experience in motorbike accident compensation claims AND who have the legal expertise to deal with serious head and brain injuries or spinal injuries.

Freeclaim Solicitors have the legal experience to deal with serious motorbike accidents. We are recommended by the Legal 500 and we are members of MASS (Motor Accident Solicitors Society) showing proven expertise in road accidents compensation. All claims are handled on a no win no fee basis, so there's nothing to pay and you keep 100% compensation. Call today on 0800 24 34 09 or contact our motorbike accident compensation specialists online.

Two decorating firms have been prosecuted for health and safety breaches by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) after a worker was left brain damaged.

The self employed painter fell from a ladder whilst working on the refurbishment of student accommodation, although no witnesses could confirm this and the 58 year old worker cannot recall any details of the accident at work because of the head injuries he suffered.    

They found that the companies had allowed work to be carried out without adequate equipment and without the required level of planning or supervision.

HSE Inspector David Stewart commented, "The ladder Trevor Dawson used, which we believe may have caused or contributed to his fall, was simply not suitable for the work he was doing. It was a domestic step ladder which should not have been allowed on the site....a tower scaffold would have been much more appropriate. "

"Falls from height remain the single most common cause of fatality and serious injury in the construction industry. The law is quite clear and HSE provides freely-available guidance on how work at height should be managed."

Before instructing a worker to use a ladder, the employer must look at the risks posed by using a ladder and must satisfy themselves that the there is no other more suitable equipment which may be used.

If you have suffered an injury due to a fall from a ladder or other accident at work, we can help you claim your rightful compensation. Remember there is nothing to pay and you keep 100% compensation. Call our work accident compensation solicitors on 0800 24 34 09 or use our online accident claims form and we'll call you straight back. 

The Court of Appeal has ruled that a teenager who failed to wear a seat belt and suffered severe brain damage in a car crash will receive his full accident compensation and will not lose a percentage of his damages for contributory negligence.

William Stanton suffered serious brain damage when he was involved in a horrific car crash as a front seat passenger in which the driver was killed and three other passengers were also hurt.

He suffered catastrophic head injuries and the injuries have left him with clumsiness, poor memory and concentration and behavioural changes. He is expected to receive a seven figure compensation payout to cover the costs of lifetime care and support, lost earnings and compensation for his injuries.

Such serious brain injury claims require complex, specialist legal knowledge ad experience. As members of Headway's Directory of Solicitors experienced in handling brain injury claims, Freeclaim Solicitors have the proven expertise in multi million pound settlements. Our approach is to not only secure maximum head injury compensation but to ensure a full rehabilitation programme is put together as soon as possible with tried and trusted experts. Rebuilding the quality of life of the injured accident victim and their family is paramount. To speak to a brain injury solicitor, call today on 0800 24 34 09 or contact us online.  

The parents of a teenager who suffered serious brain injury in a road accident have received an interim compensation payment of £250,000. However, the teenager's parents were trying to secure a larger interim payment so that they could care for her at home.

After suffering serious brain injuries in the horrific car crash, their daughter is currently being cared for in the brain Injury Rehabilitation Unit (BIRU) at Frenchay Hospital. Understandably, her parents went to court to try and secure a larger interim payment so that they can buy a specially adapted house for her needs.

They will now have to wait until the full compensation claim is settled. They are expected to receive over £1 million and annual amounts to cover care costs.

Head and brain injury claims are devastating and life changing for the accident victim and their family. We would always recommend you speak to an experience brain injury solicitor who has experience in these complex, high value and very emotional accident claims.

Freeclaim Solicitors have specialist brain injury lawyers, who have successfully helped many head injury victims and their families in multi-million pound compensation claims. We are members of the Headway Panel (a directory of specialist lawyers experience in handling brain injury compensation). 

To speak direct to an experienced brain and head injury claims lawyer about our services, call today on 0800 24 34 09. We can arrange a free home visit by a senior brain injury lawyer who will be able to discuss the claim and talk you through our specific legal experience and specialist support services and rehabilitation.  

The Government has announced aid for workers who have suffered asbestos-related diseases but have missed out on claiming compensation for their workplace illlnesses.

Many workers have been unable to claim compensation for mesothelioma or other asbestos related disease as they have been unable to trace the insurers of their former employers. The length of time that symptoms of the asbestos-related illnesses appear from the initial exposure to asbestos can be many years, even decades; hence it has proven extremely difficult for workers and solicitors to trace records.

The Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) have announced proposals to set up a database of employer's insurance policies to make it easier to trace records and therefore easier to make a compensation claim. They also want to set up an Employers Liability Insurance Bureau to provide funding where an insurer cannot be traced. In the consultation paper "Accessing Compensation", the DWP said, "These people can miss out on the civil compensation that they deserve through no fault of their own. Often it is a matter of loss or destroyed records. This is a simple problem but with sometimes devastating results."

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with an asbestos related illness, you may be entitled to make a claim for asbestosis compensation or mesothelioma compensation. Freeclaim Solicitors have specialist solicitors who have many years experience in helping workers with asbestos related workplace illnesses, particularly in setting up a detailed investigation to trace records.

For advice on whether you can make a workplace compensation claim for mesothelioma or other asbestos related illness, call Freeclaim Solicitors on 0800 24 34 09 to speak to one of our accident solicitors specialist in industrial illnesses or contact us online and we'll call you back.

A Tokyo newspaper has reported that apparently the Japanese Government has confirmed five new car accidents involving the Toyota Prius. Although no sources were quoted in the article, the report stated that five of the car crashes that were being investigated involved drivers who claimed the brakes failed. This follows headlines in the US last week of a fatal car accident involving issues with the brakes of a Toyota Lexus. Tragically, the accident killed the driver and three passengers - all members of the same family.

Today, it has been reported that Toyota are to announce a recall in the UK of the third generation Prius models. In a statement, Toyota has said that at no time are drivers without brakes.

Toyota has stated that they are not aware of any road accidents caused by either accelerator or brake issues in the UK. However experts believe that many car accidents will not have been reported as drivers may have believed the accident was their own fault. Toyota has said that it will be writing to all car owners affected.

As demonstrated in the US, vehicle defects can lead to serious car accidents. If you've been injured in a car crash or other road accident, whether due to someone else's fault or if you think it may be due to a vehicle defect, call our road accident team today and speak to one of our experienced road traffic accident solicitors about whether you may have a compensation claim. Call free 24 hours a day on 0800 24 34 09 or contact us online.

The Government have recently released figures detailing payouts on Vibration White Finger compensation claims for Worsley miners - settling 198 of the compensation claims and awarding over £2 million pounds of vibration white finger compensation.

On a national basis they have also released figures showing that out of 170,000 compensation claims for VBF, 169,000 of these have been settled. Local MP Barbara Keeley commented that she was particularly encouraged by the amount of claims being settled.

Vibration White Finger (commonly known as VWF) causes damage to the fingers whereby the extremities turn white and become painful, tingling and/or numb. It can also be known as Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS).

Vibration White Finger can be caused by working with vibrating tools or machinery over a prolonged period, such as drills, road breakers and other construction tools.

If you think you may be entitled to claim Vibration White Finger compensation, call our specialist injury solicitors today on 0800 24 34 09 or contact our compensation lawyers online.

Around one million people suffer whiplash injuries every year. Whiplash injuries are commonly caused by road accidents - particularly for drivers and passengers whose vehicle has been hit in a rear end shunt. However whiplash can also be caused during contact sports, during roller coaster rides or being hit by a falling object.

Whiplash is often underestimated. The symptoms of whiplash can take quite a while to develop after the road accident - from around six to twelve hours. Any swelling, inflammation or bruising experienced in neck muscles won't necessarily be obvious at the time of the road accident. Pain and stiffness in the neck and back can feel much worse the day after and continue to worsen days after the actual accident.

The most common symptoms of whiplash are:

• Stiffness and neck pain
• Shooting pains through the neck and shoulders
• Neck swelling
• Restricted neck movement
• Headaches and dizziness
• Tenderness at the back of the neck
• Pain in the lower back
• Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
• Hazy or blurred vision
• Pins and needles in the arms and hands

Sometimes, in a small number of cases, whiplash can also cause memory loss, sleep loss, depression, irritability and poor concentration.

If you've suffered whiplash because of a road accident or other cause and think you may be entitled to claim accident compensation, call our specialist no win no fee solicitors today on 0800 24 34 09 or contact our whiplash solicitors online. All enquiries are free and confidential and we can even visit you at home. We also guarantee you keep 100% of your whiplash compensation.

A factory worker has been awarded £100,000 in work accident compensation after he suffered permanent damage to his eye when corrosive chemicals leaked from a broken pipe onto his face.

The man, aged 59, needed surgery to repair his damaged eyelid but was unfortunately left with permanent damage to his cornea following the Sodium Hydroxide leak. The factory worker was forced to retie and can no longer drive in the dark due to the damage caused.

The company admitted liability and settled the factory accident compensation out of court. A spokesperson from the GMB Union said, "This accident was caused by the employer failing to introduce a robust inspection programme to make sure its pipes were maintained...All employers, particularly those working with dangerous chemicals, must ensure they take all the necessary steps to keep their employees safe."

Freeclaim solicitors have over 20 years experience and have specialist who can help workers claim compensation following an accident at work, including chemical accidents. All enquiries are free and confidential. To discuss a work accident claim, chemical accident claim or other personal injury claim, call today on 0800 24 34 09 or contact Freeclaim Solicitors online.

A man was awarded £450,000 in accident compensation after his leg was amputated following an accident at work. The man, an electrical engineer, fell from a 13 foot ladder at work which caused a serious fracture to each of his ankles. Unfortunately, one ankle was so badly damaged that he had to have his leg amputated from the knee.

Employers have a duty of care to their workers, which means that they must provide the necessary safety equipment and full training. In this instance, the engineer was given neither a harness nor scaffolding to protect him working at height.

Many accidents at work involve falling from ladders and step ladders. If you've been injured due to a fall from a ladder at work and would like to find out more about making an accident claim, call our work injury solicitors today on 0800 24 34 09 for free, confidential advice.