CAR & HORSE ACCIDENT COMPENSATION CLAIMS

Injuries to riders involved in a horse accident with a motor vehicle on the highway have reduced substantially over recent years however statistics issued by the Department of Transport still show cause for concern with the statistics being summarised as follows :-

• there are usually several fatal accidents involving riders of horses and motor vehicles
• approximately 20 people are seriously injured whilst riding a horse involved in a vehicle collision
• several hundred horse riders suffer other less serious injuries as a result of motor vehicle collisions
• the British Horse Society believe that in total there are over 3000 accidents involving horses
• 90% of horse accident rider casualties occur on minor roads
• the highest casualty rate is among the 16 – 19 year old age range
• the lowest incidence of horse accidents was among those aged over 60

The British Horse Society (BHS) contests the horse accident figures issued by the Department of Transport alleging a substantial underestimation particularly in regards to fatalities. The BHS also maintains that out of an estimated 3 million riders in Britain there are about eight horse accidents involving a car on the road every day. The BHS actively promotes safety on the roads for all riders and in association with the Department of Transport produces a free leaflet 'How to be a safer rider' and also produces a video called 'Horse Sense for Motorists’ and the ‘BHS Riding and Roadcraft Safety Manual’. The BHS arrange Road Safety Training and a Riding and Road Safety Test which makes participants aware of responsible and courteous behavior and aims to turn out competent riders well versed in road safety as set out in the current editions of the British Horse Society's Riding and Roadcraft Manual and the Highway Code. Examination parameters for the test are outlined in the British Horse Society's Riding and Roadcraft Manual and the BHS hold a list of all approved examiners. Any candidate may take the test on a hired horse and a minimum of 6 hours work including practical and theory is strongly recommended by the BHS. The test includes safe riding practice with an awareness of safety and protective clothing and high visibility accessories which can help to reduce the risk of a car horse accident. Hats must be worn to the current approved standards, PAS 015, EN 1384 or ASTM F1163; with either a Kitemark or SEI.

Our specialist solicitors deal with personal injury compensation claims using the risk free no win no fee scheme. We will fully finance your claim and do not expect you to contribute. Compensation is paid in full with absolutely no deductions. Win or lose there is no charge. If you would like free advice on personal injury compensation claims just use the helpline or complete the contact form and a member of the Law Society panel of personal injury experts will speak to you on the telephone to discuss your accident without further obligation.