Hello everyone,

On the evening of the Sunday 13 th November 2016, at the approximate position of Junction 10 heading north-bound clockwise on the M25, my vehicle was struck by a large metal yellow sign from a moving Highways Agency contractor vehicle. I was travelling in the second lane at 70 mph, and I noticed a large yellow metal sign be lifted out the back of a Mercedes drop-sided van ahead of me in the first lane by the wind. This van was also travelling at 60 to 70 mph. The sign was lifted 15 feet into the air and struck a vehicle to the left of me on the windscreen. The sign then came spinning towards my vehicle. I tried to pick up speed to avoid the sign, but it struck my vehicle on the left-hand side diagonally. I managed to keep my vehicle within my lane, and not swerve into the third and fourth lanes, thereby preventing any further damage to myself, and any other vehicles nearby. The situation only lasted a few seconds, but the resulting damage done to my car caused by the sign, ended up being written off by my insurance company. Luckily my partner and I were not injured as well. I then had to take a day off work to sort the situation out.

The sign should not have flown out of the back of the contractor's vehicle, and should have been securely weighted down. This would have been an easily avoidable if the workers had followed their Health and Safety procedures for securing heavy loads. The whole situation shook me up pretty badly, and I cannot help feeling anxious driving behind any type of vehicle now.

I sent in a claim form to the Highways Agency to claim the cost of my vehicle and time taken off work. I was not planning on replacing my car, and therefore out of pocket. I was told it was not their responsibility, and forward my claim to the contractor. I was later contacted earlier this week by the contractor that their insurance company was dealing with it, and left it there.

I am fuming, as the incident was caused by the negligence of one of their employees, and they seem to be brushing it under the carpet.

Any advice on whether I can further this legally, or any law firms that would deal with such a claim? Thanks for the help.