Get Expert Support After a Lorry Accident
When an HGV or lorry accident turns your life upside down, you deserve fast, reliable support from a team that fights for you. At Claims 24 Hours, we help injured road users secure justice, recover financial losses, and access the care they need to heal. Our specialists handle everything—from evidence gathering to insurer negotiations—so you can focus on recovery. No stress, no confusion, just expert help. If someone’s negligence caused your injuries, we’re here to protect your rights and secure the compensation you deserve.
Start Your Claim
Jump to...
Comprehensive Guide for Injured Drivers, Passengers & Road Users
Heavy Goods Vehicles play a major role in the UK transport system, but when an accident involves an HGV, the consequences are almost always severe. The size, weight, and stopping distance of lorries make them far more dangerous in collisions, especially for car drivers, motorcyclists, cyclists, and pedestrians. If you’ve been hurt in an HGV crash—whether on a motorway, an A-road, or within a built-up area—you may be entitled to compensation.
At Claims 24 Hours, we support people injured in serious road accidents every single day. Our team helps you understand your rights, gather strong evidence, calculate the compensation you deserve, and navigate the full process from start to finish with no stress.
Understanding HGV & Lorry Accidents — Why They’re More Severe
Lorry collisions aren’t like regular road traffic accidents. The physics alone make them far more destructive. An average HGV weighs around 44 tonnes—meaning even a low-speed crash can cause life-changing injuries. Many victims face long rehabilitation, multiple medical procedures, and months or even years of lost income.
HGV accidents often involve:
- High-impact collisions on dual carriageways and motorways
- Blind-spot incidents due to the lorry’s height and length
- Jackknife accidents, rollovers, and rear-end impacts
- Crashes caused by driver fatigue or long working hours
- Improperly loaded trailers leading to instability
- Mechanical faults or poor vehicle maintenance
If your injuries were caused by someone else’s mistakes—whether a driver, company, or authority—you have every right to pursue a claim.
Common Causes of HGV Accident Claims
While every case is unique, most lorry crash claims fall under a few common causes. Understanding these helps determine liability and strengthens your case.
Driver fatigue
Long-distance lorry drivers often work long shifts. When rest periods aren’t followed, fatigue slows reaction time and leads to serious collisions.
Poor HGV maintenance
Brakes, tyres, and steering systems must be inspected regularly. Failure to maintain the vehicle can make the operator or employer legally responsible.
Overloaded or poorly secured cargo
Incorrectly loaded cargo affects balance, stopping distance, and stability. In many cases, responsibility falls on the haulage company or loading team.
Distracted driving
Mobile phones, navigation systems, and paperwork inside the cab can contribute to poor attention and delayed braking.
Speeding or dangerous manoeuvres
HGVs need more distance to slow down. Sudden lane changes or tailgating can easily lead to catastrophic damage.
Blind spots
Large lorries have significant blind spots on both sides. Many victims are motorcyclists or car drivers who were not seen before impact.
These causes play a major role in compensation claims, and identifying the exact reason for your accident is one of the first steps we take.
Injuries Commonly Seen in HGV Accidents
Because of the force involved, HGV accidents often cause complex injuries. Even low-speed impacts can lead to severe trauma requiring long-term treatment.
Victims frequently suffer:
- Orthopaedic injuries (broken bones, spinal fractures)
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI), concussions or skull fractures
- Facial or dental injuries
- Severe whiplash
- Shoulder, back or pelvic damage
- Internal bleeding or organ trauma
- Crush injuries
- PTSD, anxiety, panic attacks and long-term psychological distress
These injuries can disrupt work, mobility, independence, and personal life. Compensation helps cover treatment, rehabilitation, therapy, financial losses, and long-term support.
Who Can Make an HGV Accident Claim?
You may be eligible to claim if you were injured by an HGV or lorry in any of the following scenarios:
- A driver hit by an HGV
- A passenger in any vehicle involved in the incident
- A motorcyclist or cyclist struck by a lorry
- A pedestrian injured by a reversing or turning HGV
- An HGV driver injured because another driver or company was at fault
- A worker injured during loading or unloading
- A family member claiming on behalf of someone unable to do so themselves
If the fault isn’t immediately clear, we investigate it for you.
Your Legal Rights After an HGV Collision
The law protects road users from negligent drivers and companies. If someone responsible for the lorry acted carelessly or breached their duty of care, you have the right to:
Claim compensation
Recover medical costs
Reclaim lost wages
Receive payment for long-term care or rehabilitation
Be compensated for pain, trauma and reduced quality of life
Even if the lorry fled the scene or the driver was uninsured, you can still claim through the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB).
How Fault Is Determined in HGV/Lorry Claims
Determining fault is more complex than in standard road accidents because several parties may be responsible, including:
- The HGV driver
- The haulage or logistics company
- The vehicle owner
- The loading team
- The mechanic or maintenance contractor
- Highway authorities (poor roads, missing signage, unmaintained highways)
We examine collision details, driver logs, vehicle maintenance records, and witness accounts to identify who is legally accountable.
Essential Evidence That Supports Your Claim
Strong evidence helps prove how the accident happened and who caused it. We help gather:
- Photographs of the road, traffic lights, skid marks, vehicle positions
- CCTV or dashcam recordings
- Witness statements and contact details
- Police reports, reference numbers and officer details
- Medical reports, scans and treatment notes
- Wage slips showing lost earnings
- Vehicle repair assessments
- Driver tachograph data, shift logs or company records
- Expert analysis (accident reconstruction specialists)
The more accurate the documentation, the stronger your claim becomes. If you were unable to gather evidence due to injury, we handle the full process for you.
What to Do if Your Accident Wasn’t Reported Immediately
Many victims are too injured or shocked to gather information at the scene. It’s still possible to claim. We help you:
- Request CCTV from nearby businesses
- Retrieve dashcam footage
- Obtain police records
- Gather medical evidence
- Identify witnesses
- Analyse road layouts and traffic conditions
- Submit formal evidence requests from the lorry company
We rebuild the full picture of your accident even if the scene was chaotic.
How Much Compensation Can You Receive?
Compensation depends on several factors, including:
- Severity of your injuries
- Length of treatment
- Whether surgery or rehabilitation is required
- Time taken off work
- Impact on daily life
- Psychological effects
- Future risks and long-term medical needs
- Adaptations required for home or vehicle
Claims can range from a few thousand pounds for minor injuries to six- or seven-figure settlements for life-changing conditions.
We calculate general damages (pain & suffering) and special damages (all financial losses), making sure everything is accounted for.
How the Claims Process Works
We handle the full process step-by-step:
1. Free initial assessment
You explain what happened, and we tell you instantly whether you have a valid claim.
2. Gathering evidence
We help collect medical reports, accident footage, witness statements, employment records, and lorry company documentation.
3. Determining fault
We investigate who is responsible—driver, company, authority, or multiple parties.
4. Presenting your claim
We negotiate with insurers, the company, or the MIB for the highest possible compensation.
5. Settlement
Once the claim is successful, you receive your compensation.
There are no upfront costs, and everything is handled professionally.
Time Limits for Making an HGV Accident Claim
You have up to 3 years from the date of the accident to make a claim.
Children, vulnerable adults, and those lacking mental capacity have extended time limits.
Even if you think the deadline has passed, ask us—some exceptions may apply.
Why Choose Claims 24 Hours
Choosing the right claims team can change the outcome of your case. With us, you get:
- Strong representation against large insurers
- Detailed investigations
- Clear communication
- No hidden fees
- Fast claim progression
- Support with medical treatments and rehabilitation
- A team experienced in severe injury and HGV collision cases
We aim to make the process simple, supportive, and stress-free.
FAQs — HGV & Lorry Accident Claims
1. How long does an HGV accident claim take?
It depends on the injury severity and whether liability is disputed. Straightforward cases take a few months, while serious-injury claims may take longer due to medical evidence.
2. Do I have to go to court?
Most cases settle outside court. You’ll only attend if absolutely necessary, and we guide you through every step.
3. What if the lorry driver denies responsibility?
We gather independent evidence, expert reports, and witness statements to prove the facts.
4. Can I claim if I was partly at fault?
Yes. You may still receive compensation, though the amount may be adjusted.
5. What if the driver was uninsured?
We pursue the claim through the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB), ensuring you still get compensated.
6. Can I claim for psychological trauma?
Absolutely. PTSD, anxiety, and shock form an important part of your compensation.
Start Your Accident Claim Today
If you or a loved one has suffered after lorry accident, Claims24Hours is here to support you from day one. No victim should be left without justice simply because a driver chose to flee.
Call +44 20 7043 3779 for free, compassionate advice and begin your claim with confidence.