Many people assume that if they were partly responsible for an accident, they can’t claim compensation. However, that isn’t always the case.
Under the law in England and Wales, it’s possible for more than one person to share responsibility for an accident. This is known as contributory negligence, which means that even if your own actions played a part in what happened, you may still be entitled to claim compensation if someone else was also at fault.
For example, you might still have a claim if you were injured in a road traffic accident while not wearing a seatbelt, or if you slipped on an unmarked wet floor while distracted by your phone. Every case is different, and the circumstances surrounding the accident will always need to be carefully considered.
The important thing is not to assume that being partly to blame means you have no legal rights, and if contributory negligence applies, the court or the parties involved will decide what percentage of responsibility each person should bear.
Understanding where responsibility lies isn’t always straightforward, which is why it’s important to seek legal advice before deciding whether you have a claim. Even where liability is disputed, many people are surprised to discover they are still entitled to compensation.
At Acclaim Solicitors, we’ll take the time to understand exactly what happened, explain your legal rights in plain English and give you honest, practical advice tailored to your circumstances.
If you’ve been injured and you’re concerned you may have been partly to blame, don’t rule yourself out. Contact Acclaim Solicitors today for a free, no-obligation consultation and let us help you understand whether you could still be entitled to compensation.
You can contact us by calling 01244 956434 or by filling in the contact form on our website.