8th November 2007

Corporate Manslaughter Act Set To Impact Road Traffic Accidents

The Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act, which comes into force in April 2008, will apply to road traffic accidents that involve drivers travelling on business. The law will mean that accidents that happen due to driver fatigue after working excessive hours, or vehicles which are poorly maintained, will be subject to scrutiny for breaches of the Act. This will also apply to accidents caused through the use of mobile phones whilst driving on business, and the condition of personal cars that are used for occasional business purposes.

Employers should make their workers aware of their company’s policy regarding safety legislation, and employees should not be put under pressure to breach them. Without these policies in place, and enforced, employers should be aware that they will be liable for prosecution under this Act if they fail to protect their employees on the road and the RTA is found to be the result of senior management failings.

In the event of a fatality, the police would have the right to investigate the employer, and ask to see the procedures and policies, as well as evidence of employee training and acceptance of the policies.

A recent study recommends the introduction of a specialist national team to investigate accidents on the road. Currently it is the only mode of transport not to have a designated unit. The study, by the Parliamentary Advisory Council for Transport (PACTS), recommends the 1,000 a year deaths that occur among business drivers or passengers, should be the first focus of its investigations.


Compensation Claim

Should you decide to instruct us to represent you in your claim, Clear Answers’ lawyers have teams of specialists waiting to help you. We have extensive experience in all types of accident at work claims, whether it was the result of negligence on the part of your employer, or some other cause.

The person responsible for your accident will pay our legal fees, and our service will be cost-free for you. You will receive 100% of your compensation if you select Clear Answers to represent you in this matter.

Our lawyers will be happy to provide you with expert legal advice, talk you through the claims process in plain English and answer any questions you may have regarding your claim. If you or a family member has been injured in these circumstances, please ring us on 0800 783 9019 and speak to one of our advisers. Alternatively, you may prefer to complete one of our online compensation claim forms and one of our representatives will contact you as quickly as possible.

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