Since the beginning of the year, it feels as though reports of serious road traffic collisions are occurring on a daily basis on Surrey’s roads, putting road safety in Surrey firmly in the spotlight. Whilst the weather has been poor, there are likely other contributing factors. At Moore Barlow, we have represented, and continue to represent, clients across Surrey who have suffered catastrophic injuries as a result of accidents that were, in many cases, entirely preventable.
While road safety statistics can sometimes feel abstract, for us they represent real people: individuals and families in Surrey facing devastating consequences after a moment of negligence on the road. Recent data makes clear that reducing casualties must remain an urgent priority.
The reality of road safety in Surrey
Despite long-term efforts by local authorities and police, Surrey continues to see an unacceptably high number of people killed or seriously injured on its roads each year. Fatal collisions typically number in the dozens annually, with several hundred people sustaining serious injuries. Progress has slowed in recent years, prompting Surrey County Council to adopt a Vision Zero strategy, aiming to halve fatal and serious injuries by 2035 and eliminate them entirely by 2050.
Our experience at Moore Barlow mirrors these figures. We regularly represent clients injured on:
- 30 mph urban and residential roads, where pedestrians and cyclists are particularly vulnerable
- Busy commuter routes and junctions
- Roads where excessive speed or driver inattention has had catastrophic consequences
Behind the statistics: human cost and legal consequences
Statistics alone cannot convey the full impact of serious road traffic injuries. From a legal standpoint, we see the long-term repercussions every day: extensive rehabilitation needs, loss of employment, reliance on care, and profound emotional harm affecting entire families.
In many cases, collisions are linked to behaviours that feature repeatedly in our claims:
- Speeding, particularly in built-up areas
- Careless or distracted driving, including mobile phone use
- Failure to look properly for pedestrians, cyclists or motorcyclists
When these failures lead to injury, our role is to secure compensation that provides financial security, access to rehabilitation, and long-term support. But no legal claim can undo the harm caused, which is why prevention must come first.
Settlement for pedestrian hit by motorbike
Tim Kirfield and his team at Moore Barlow have secured a six figure settlement for a pedestrian who was hit by a motorbike while crossing the road after a pre Christmas catch up with friends. Having waited for the road to clear, he and a friend began crossing, but as they reached the halfway point a motorbike came out of nowhere and struck them, leaving both with significant injuries.
What can be done to reduce casualties?
From our perspective as serious injury solicitors, meaningful reductions in casualties require sustained action across several areas:
Lower speeds and safer streets
Reducing vehicle speeds, especially in residential areas, is one of the most effective ways to reduce both the number and severity of collisions. Evidence consistently shows that lower speeds significantly increase survival rates and reduce life-changing injuries.
Stronger enforcement of road traffic laws
Consistent enforcement against speeding, mobile phone use, drink and drug driving, and careless driving is essential. Many of the most serious cases we handle could have been avoided had basic road traffic laws been followed.
Improved road design and infrastructure
Safer junctions, better pedestrian crossings, protected cycle routes, clearer signage and adequate lighting all play a crucial role in preventing collisions, particularly for vulnerable road users.
Our commitment to injured clients in Surrey
At Moore Barlow, we have a long-standing commitment to supporting people injured on Surrey’s roads. We work closely with medical experts, rehabilitation providers and families to ensure our clients receive not only compensation, but the practical help they need to rebuild their lives.
However, our work also reinforces a clear message: serious road injuries are not inevitable. With the right policies, enforcement and public awareness, many of the tragedies we encounter could be prevented.
Looking ahead – Vision Zero
Surrey’s Vision Zero ambition reflects an important shift, recognising that no level of death or serious injury on the roads is acceptable. Achieving that goal will require continued investment, political will and cultural change in how road safety is approached.
“For those of us who represent injured people every day, the motivation is simple. Every reduced statistic means one less family facing unimaginable loss, an outcome truly worth striving for.”
Tim Kirfield – Senior Associate | Personal Injury
How Moore Barlow can help
We understand that the trauma resulting from a serious road accident extends far beyond physical injuries. Emotional distress, psychological challenges, and the long path to rehabilitation can be equally daunting. As your steadfast allies, our Road Traffic Accident lawyers are not merely focused on securing the financial compensation you deserve but also on ensuring that you receive the comprehensive support and rehabilitation necessary for a well-rounded recovery.
