WITNESS APPEAL – Doxfords

Did you work at William Doxford  & Sons Limited which is mostly known as “DOXFORDS”  based at Pallion, Sunderland, Tyne and Wear in or around 1974 to 1976?

Browell Smith & Company represent the Estate of a gentleman who sadly passed away of asbestos-induced, Mesothelioma.   The Deceased was employed as a labourer at Doxfords Yard based in Pallion, Sunderland in 1974 to 1976.  This was a shipbuilding company.  We understand that the company was renamed Sunderland Shipbuilders Limited from around 1970.

We would urgently request assistance from anybody who worked at the Doxfords Yard during that time to come forward with information about working conditions and particular the asbestos which was present.

Please contact Kirsty Dockerty on 0191 250 3213.

Accidents in the Countryside: Everything you should know!

The British countryside can pose additional risks for both people walking in the countryside and also car drivers, motorcyclists and cyclists. It is commonly known that the hazards of rural roads add further risk of serious injury or death to those using them.

Reasons why people may lose control whilst driving on rural/ countryside roads:

Speed

National speed limits tend to apply to most rural areas and therefore accidents are more likely to occur. There are also far more hazards on a rural road than on urban roads due to their nature, including blind bends, dips and potholes and other distractions such as farm animals which can lead to loss of control.

Weather

Due to the nature of rural roads, the weather can have a bigger impact on fatalities. Bad weather tends to reduce the number of casualties as people notice that the roads are more slippery and their visibility is affected, so they tend to slow down and take more care.

When the weather is good, the effect tends to be an increase in casualties as there are more people on the road taking trips out and people feel more confident in their driving.

Environmental issues

As already mentioned, rural roads tend to have more twists and turns on a national speed limit road. It is also common for farm and wild animals such as deers to dash into oncoming traffic and cause drivers to swerve out of the way. Other factors include lack of lighting, loose debris and obstructions to visibility caused by overgrowing trees and crops.

Slip and trip claims in the countryside

People must be careful whilst enjoying the countryside on foot, especially as these claims are difficult to succeed.

One of the key elements to succeeding in a claim for a slip or trip on a rural track is whether or not the track or road is a highway that is maintainable at public expense. Under the Highway Act 1980 most footpaths are deemed to be public roads maintainable at public expense. Section 41 of the Act states that highways authority must maintain and repair the highway.

However, it is difficult considering most country side lanes, tracks and roads are nothing more than mud, stone and grass. The general rule seems to be if the road is considered to be generally safe for ordinary traffic, the road will be considered safe on a whole even if the verges are not safe for bicycles or pedestrians.

Speak to our Personal Injury Solicitors

At Browell Smith & Co Solicitors, our legal experts have a wealth of experience in handling personal injury cases and are always happy to discuss matters with you. Contact our expert team today to arrange a free initial telephone consultation or alternatively use our Call Back Request or Live Chat function on our website.

Being Aware of Vulnerable Road Users

Road users on two wheels and pedestrians are more likely to be killed or seriously injured than car drivers.

In recent news, police officers from the Cleveland and Durham Specialist Operations Unit took part in an operation called Close Pass which focuses on the dangers faced by cyclists as a result of motorists who drive too close to them. This was to raise awareness to highlight the dangers that vulnerable road users on two wheels face.

Police officers have been speaking with drivers, providing information and educating drivers when they overtook a cyclist too closely. The road safety advice included looking out for other road users, and particularly vulnerable road users.

Road safety of those on two wheels

To improve the safety of those on two wheels, it is suggested that drivers:

• Slow down to give more time to spot danger and react
• Look properly for bikes before pulling out at junctions
• Leave at least a 150cm gap when overtaking a bike
• Do the ‘Dutch reach’, using the opposite hand to open a car door to help avoid ‘car dooring’ incidents
• There is also now an increase in new modes of transport which are more likely to be vulnerable including e-bikes and e-scooters. Electric bicycles are bicycles with an electric motor that assists the user’s pedal power. E-bikes accelerate much faster than traditional bikes which may mean resulting accidents and injuries are more severe for the user but also pedestrians.

Pedestrians are also one of the vulnerable user groups.

Road safety of those on foot

To improve the safety of those on foot, it is suggested that drivers:

• Slow down when there are lots of stationary vehicles and obstructions
• Take additional care at crossings and junctions
• Watch out for pedestrianised areas
• Take additional care where children may suddenly appear
• Watch out for people in dark clothing at night time
• Check all blind spots before reversing
• Eliminate all distractions whilst driving
• Be careful when entering/exiting driveways

Speak to our Personal Injury Solicitors

At Browell Smith & Co Solicitors, our legal experts have a wealth of experience in handling personal injury cases and are always happy to discuss matters with you. Contact our expert team today to arrange a free initial telephone consultation or alternatively use our Call Back Request or Live Chat function on our website.