Claim news
03/03/2011

Road traffic accident near Newcastle along A53

A severe road traffic accident near Newcastle, between Whitmore and Baldwins Gate, has resulted in the death of a motorist.

The incident involved two vehicles on the A53, a road which is known in the area for having had many car crashes occur along it.

For this reason the speed limit for the hazardous highway was reduced from 50mph to 40mph several years ago, but the landlord of a pub along the stretch of road says, "The road is atrocious and there are always problems," adding that he thinks further traffic calming measures are needed.

The victim of this latest car accident was in his mid-40s and, after colliding with a vehicle coming in the opposite direction, he lost control of his car, hitting a tree which was by the side of the road.

The man suffered a fatal head injury and, despite paramedics and fire crews working to save him, he was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver in the other vehicle involved was unharmed despite the collision.

Northumbria Police investigated the site, closing the road to traffic for around four hours, and is calling for any witnesses of the incident to come forward with any information which may help its police investigators.

When the cause of the road traffic accident and who may be liable for the victim's head injury, from which he subsequently died has been decided. The family of the deceased driver may wish to make compensation claims for their loss if the uninjured motorist is found to be responsible for the crash.