News reports have confirmed the tragic outcome of a road traffic accident in Staffordshire involving a coach believed to be carrying 70 farm workers from Eastern Europe who had been on a day trip to Alton Towers.
It is understood that a Polish man died in the accident and that up to 70 were injured with 24 being taken to hospital.
As yet, the cause of the accident is unknown but reports state that the coach collided with two parked cars before crashing through a wall and falling 15 feet down an embankment. Staffordshire Police are in the process of gathering evidence from the scene and taking witness statements with the help of interpreters from the various nationalities of the victims involved.
The narrow country road where it happened has been criticised by local residents as “an accident waiting to happen”. Apparently the area also suffered heavy rainfall immediately before the accident and undoubtedly the Police will be considering the impact of the weather conditions.
Daniel Easton, Partner in Leigh Day & Co’s Personal Injury Department, commented:
“clearly the priority now is the medical treatment of the victims. However, as time goes on, undoubtedly the injured and their families will be seeking answers as to how this accident occurred. Given the number injured and the size of the crash scene, it is likely to take some time before it becomes clear how such a tragic accident arose.”
“It is vital that each of the injured receives expert advice from experienced Personal Injury Lawyers. There will be numerous parties involved in the investigation including the Police, Health and Safety Executive and the Coroner’s Office and the victims will need clear advice and representation from experienced Solicitors”.
“Although compensation may not seem a priority now, in the coming weeks it may offer a significant benefit to these victims with issues such as paying for medical treatment or physiotherapy, or covering lost earnings”.
Leigh Day & Co are experienced with large scale accidents having represented many victims in past rail crashes. The firm also has a dedicated team to deal with Polish victims due to the number of Polish clients we have.
For enquiries about the crash please contact
Daniel Easton: 020 7650 1226
For Polish enquiries please contact
Magda Kwintowska: 020 7650 1242
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