Horse riding accident compensation claims
Can I claim compensation for a horse riding accident?
There are a range of different situations in which someone can be injured in a horse riding accident. Of course, horse riding and equestrian sports all have an element of inherent risk in varying degrees, depending on what you are doing. For example, someone is much more likely to suffer a fall when competing in cross country than they are having a gentle lesson in the school. In many cases no one will be to blame and therefore compensation is not going to be an option. However, avoidable accidents can be caused by someone else’s carelessness, particularly on our roads, and it is in these situations that a claim for horse riding accident compensation can be considered.
Horse riding accidents caused by cars
When out hacking on the roads with your horse, you will be classified as a ‘vulnerable’ road user. The Highway Code says that drivers should take extra care when it comes to vulnerable road users, and horse riders are given as a specific example in the Code. The Highway Code recommends that drivers make sure they pass horses wide and slowly. It is also suggested that drivers take heed of signals given by horse riders, including requests to slow down or stop.
Unfortunately, the reality is that this is often not what we see in practice when riding out on the roads. Drivers can often be impatient, passing too close or at a high speed, which can frighten your horse.
Our own team have personal experience of riding on country roads, and haver encountered inconsiderate drivers on many occasions. This includes drivers sounding their horn when coming around a sharp bend at high speed and drivers passing exceptionally close on narrow lanes.
Drivers have a responsibility to drive safely, giving particular attention to vulnerable road users. If you encounter a driver in circumstances such as those described and suffer injury as a result, you will likely have a claim. If possible, make a note of the registration number of the vehicle involved to help track the driver. However, if you cannot do so and it is not possible to trace the driver you may still be able to make a claim, so contact our team for further injuries. It would be advisable to notify the Police of the incident so they can record a log of what has happened.
How we can help with horse riding accident compensation claims
Our specialist team will be able to guide you through the process of making a personal injury claim on a no win, no fee basis. The injuries sustained in horse riding accidents are often significant and could affect your life in so many ways, including your ability to work. It is therefore important to obtain specialist legal advice as soon as possible so the right help and support can be put in place for you.
We are experienced in accident claims involving animals and a number of our lawyers ride horses, so we have the perfect skill-set to help you recover the compensation you deserve.
If you would like to know if you can make a claim for horse riding accident compensation and want to speak to one of our specialist team on a free and confidential basis, call freephone 0333 888 0404 or send an email to us at [email protected]
