The research covered 1,000 adults across the UK, conducted by Fletchers Serious Injury, shows that 32% of those who have suffered a serious injury within this timeframe, such as broken bones and spinal injuries, sustained the injury via a traffic accident.
Younger drivers are noticeably more likely to be involved in a road traffic accident. On average, road traffic accidents accounted to 55.8% of serious injuries in those aged 18-34, compared with 16.6% of those aged 45 and above, making younger drivers more than three times as likely to be a victim.
Men were are more likely to be more at risk than women. Over a third (35.7%) having suffered a serious injury in a traffic accident, compared with 24.7% being women.
The findings revealed a concerning unwillingness amongst those who had suffered an injury to pursue a claim, meaning that they are less likely to receive the compensation and support they need to get their life back on track; with almost a fifth (19.1%) saying that they would not pursue a claim if they suffered a serious injury.
Younger people were far less likely to make a claim than their elders, with 60% of those aged 18-24 reporting that they would not pursue legal action if they suffered a serious injury.
Adrian Denson, chief legal officer at Fletchers Serious Injury, commented: "When you suffer a serious injury following a non-fault road traffic accident, there are many things that can suddenly become vitally important to you – and seeking compensation is only one of those things.
"Of course, making a claim for the first time is something completely unfamiliar to many of our clients. But we have been fighting for justice on behalf of our customers for more than 30 years. It is our job to understand the claims process on your behalf, and to navigate you through that process and take the complications away from those injured.
Source: Fletchers Serious Injury