Forklift truck accident compensation claims

Who is responsible if a forklift accident occurs?

The size and weight of a forklift mean that even a seemingly small impact can cause a serious injury. Unfortunately, forklift accidents are relatively common in industrial settings like warehouses, factories and construction sites. 

If you've been involved in a forklift accident, the driver could be held responsible if they did not take due care and attention when the machine was under their control. Your employer could also be held liable if the accident was at work, it can be proven that they did not take all reasonable steps to protect your health and safety and that you did everything you could to stay out of harm's way. 

What is the most common cause of a forklift accident?

There are several common types of forklift accident that may result in a compensation claim. These include: 

• A loose load falling from the truck 
• Pedestrian collision
• Object collision caused by the truck bumping into objects that then fall on pedestrians
• Unnecessarily fast driving

The above are only a handful of examples. So, don't worry if your accident isn't on the list - we may still be able to help you.

What is a no win no fee forklift accident claim?

We usually take cases on a no win no fee basis - something also known as a “conditional fee agreement” - and this includes forklift accident claims. It means you will only pay a fee if you win the case, so you can go ahead with total peace of mind. 

This type of agreement exists to help people who are entitled to compensation but would not normally be able to afford legal representation.

Am I eligible to make a forklift accident compensation claim?

If you've suffered an accident either as a forklift driver or one caused by another driver, you could be eligible to claim.

Based on the initial conversation you have with us, we'll make an assessment. If we agree to take on your case, we're confident of its success. You may also be able to claim on behalf of someone else if their forklift injury is so serious that they cannot do it for themselves.

How do I get started with the claims process?

If you want to start a claim, there are three ways to reach out to us:

• Call one of our friendly advisors for a free initial chat on 0800 587 0344. Our lines are open seven days a week (including Bank Holidays) and we'll give you an immediate assessment regarding whether we think you can claim.
• Fill out our quick, simple online form with your name, number and some details about the injury. We'll call you back and it won't cost you.
• Use our compensation calculator and get an instant valuation. This can also help you if you want to pursue your case entirely online.

How does the claims process work?

If we decide your forklift accident claim has a good chance of success, the process will follow four simple steps:

1. Your solicitor will listen to the story of your forklift accident and how it has impacted you. They might ask for supporting evidence such as photographs, medical records and the contact details of any witnesses. 
2. When they have gathered all the information they need, they will contact the other party and inform them of your intention to claim for compensation. 
3. The other party will then either accept the blame or contest it. If they don't accept blame, your solicitor will begin negotiations on your behalf.
4. If you win, you will get your forklift injury compensation and your solicitor will take the pre-agreed percentage as payment. If you lose, you won't have anything to pay - assuming you've claimed on a no win no fee basis. 

Can I make my forklift accident claim online?

Yes, our compensation calculator tool will let you know if you are eligible to continue making a claim for your forklift accident online. 

Unlike other personal injury companies, our calculator isn't designed simply to make you contact us. It will give you an immediate idea of how much compensation you could receive. 

How long will the claims process take?

It's hard for us to estimate an exact timeframe because each case is unique. Several things can impact the duration of a claim, including the severity of the injury and whether the other party accepts responsibility for what happened to you. 

You can rest assured that we'll let you know immediately if we think you have a strong case though.

How much compensation will I receive for a forklift accident?

The nature of your injuries and their impact on your life are likely to affect the amount of forklift accident compensation you receive. To assess the potential damages, we use the latest edition of the Judicial College Guidelines. These also help to inform our calculator tool.

Do I need no win no fee insurance?

We recommend you take out After the Event insurance so that making a forklift accident claim is risk-free for you. This policy helps to cover the legal fees you may otherwise have to pay the other side if you lose. 

Your solicitor will organise this for you and it won't incur any upfront costs. If you win, the price of the cover will be deducted from your compensation amount and if you lose, you don't need to pay.

Will my claim go to court?

Usually, forklift accident claims are settled without needing to go to court. If your case does go that far, your solicitor will look after all the proceedings and keep you updated every step of the way.

What if I lose my claim for forklift accident compensation?

We're confident your forklift truck accident solicitor will secure a successful outcome. But if they don't, there'll be nothing for you to pay as long as you've claimed on a no win no fee basis.