National Road Victim Awareness Month highlights how lives can be changed in a split-second and why it's vital everyone to takes care
As National Road Victim Awareness Month draws to a close, now is a particularly pertinent time to reflect upon the experiences of the clients I work with, as well as other victims of road traffic accidents.
Every now and then, when I have a quiet moment for reflection, I think about the impact of certain moments in my life. For you, that may be the moment you first met your partner, or a defining moment which led you to your current career path. Often people speak of these life-changing moments as being in the right place at the right time.
Sadly, for many of the clients I work with, this thought process can also be one that haunts them on a regular basis; they've tragically experienced a moment of being in the wrong place at the wrong time through no fault of their own.
Experiences of those affected by road collisions
I work with many clients who have, as a result of a road traffic accident, sustained life-changing injuries including brain and/or spinal cord injuries, amputations, or multiple traumas. I also work with many people who have tragically lost a loved one in these circumstances. However they're affected, clients often need not only answers but access to specialist support or rehabilitation.
Several of our clients tell me that even years after the accident they can’t help thinking how their life would be different had they, or their loved one, not been travelling along that road, on the date and time of their accident.
National Road Victim Awareness Month
August is RoadPeace’s National Road Victim Awareness Month and therefore offers a time to reflect upon the moments that have impacted the clients I work with, and how they could have been prevented.
Not long ago, a colleague and I were travelling home from a meeting where we had planned for the next stage of a client’s rehabilitation journey. On our way back from the meeting, we were discussing plans for our client’s transition from hospital to their newly adapted accommodation when we approached the location where our client was struck by another vehicle whose driver had lost control. Suddenly the car fell silent as both my colleague and I reflected upon the moment that changed everything for our client and their family.
I've worked with multiple families whose lives have been torn apart by speeding, people who have lost their partners, parents or children through drivers failing to take care, and young adults who will need lifelong care because of someone attempting to show off behind the wheel.
Securing support and rehabilitation
My team’s day-to-day focus predominately revolves around securing our clients the best possible rehabilitation and professional support, and the steps we need to take to obtain this for them.
The knowledge that we can make a real difference for our clients following their accidents is what inspires us in all we do. However, every now and then, it's important for us to take a step back and remember the initial moment that changed their lives.
Personal stories illustrate life-long impact of accidents
The charity RoadPeace has published a series of personal stories from victims of road traffic accidents which powerfully illustrate the life-long impact that an accident, and in particular speeding, can have. In support of National Road Victim Awareness Month, I urge you to listen to their stories and have them in mind as you next sit behind the wheel.
Find out more about Irwin Mitchell's expertise in supporting people and families affected by road accidents at our dedicated road traffic accidents claims section.
