How changes in personal injury law this year could affect you
As we move into 2026, legal changes for personal injury and public safety in the UK are undergoing a significant transformation. From the way we drive to how we are protected at work, new legislation is shifting the focus toward prevention and improved rights for you.
These changes are not just technicalities; they represent a fundamental change in how the law protects you and your family. We look at key legal updates expected in 2026 and what they could mean for you.
1. The 2026 Road Safety Strategy
Following the launch of the government’s “Road Safety Strategy” in early 2026, we are seeing a ‘safe system’ approach that moves beyond simply blaming individual drivers. The strategy aims to reduce road deaths and serious injuries by 65% by 2035.
Key Changes Affecting Drivers:
· Drink and Drug Driving: There is an active consultation on lowering the legal alcohol limit in England and Wales to bring it in line with Scotland and much of Europe. Additionally, organisations such as the RAC are pushing for the government to introduce “alcohol interlocks” (breathalyser devices fitted to cars) for previous offenders.
· Young and Older Drivers: Expect stricter rules for learner drivers, including potential minimum learning periods (three to six months) to ensure experience in night-time and adverse weather conditions. For those over 70, mandatory eyesight testing could become a standard requirement for licence renewal. · Vehicle Safety Tech: For the first time, the government is consulting on18 new safety technologies, including autonomous emergency braking and intelligent speed assistance for new vehicles registered in the UK.
What this means for you: If you are involved in an accident, the presence (or absence) of these technologies and the stricter adherence to driver health standards will become pivotal evidence in personal injury claims.
2. Workplace Protection: The Employment Rights Act 2025/26
The Employment Rights Act (which received Royal Assent in late 2025) is rolling out its most impactful provisions throughout 2026.
· Unfair Dismissal: Protection from unfair dismissal will now be accessible after just six months of employment, down from the previous two-year requirement.
· Statutory Sick Pay (SSP): Starting April 2026, SSP is now a “day-one” right. The previous “waiting days” have been abolished, and the lower earnings limit has been removed, ensuring even the lowest-paid workers are protected if they fall ill or are injured.
· Third-Party Harassment: As of October 2026, employers are legally liable for the harassment of their staff by third parties (such as customers or clients) unless they can prove they took “all reasonable steps” to prevent it.
3. Health & Safety: Mental Health and “Martyn’s Law”
Health and safety in 2026 has expanded beyond “slips, trips, and falls.” The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is now placing equal weight on psychological harm.
· Mental Health Accountability: Employers are now expected to treat work-related stress and burnout as core physical hazards. Failure to conduct a “psychosocial risk assessment” will become a common ground for workplace injury claims.
· Martyn’s Law (Terrorism Protection of Premises): Named in honour of Martyn Hett, this law now requires venues (from cafes to stadiums) to have robust safety plans for terror threats. If a venue fails to provide adequate security or evacuation procedures, they may be held liable for injuries sustained during an incident.
4. Clinical Negligence
The landscape for clinical negligence is shifting as the NHS faces mounting pressure to reduce the £60 billion “cost of harm.”
· Fixed Recoverable Costs: For claims valued under £25,000, rules aim to streamline the process. While this may speed up the process for smaller claims, it makes it more important than ever to have a specialist solicitor who can navigate this area to ensure you receive full compensation for your injury and the rehabilitation you may require.
· Focus on Maternity Safety: Following several high-profile reviews, 2026 sees a renewed legal focus on maternity negligence. The governments’ “early notification” schemes mean the NHS must investigate serious birth injuries sooner, potentially providing families with answers and support much faster than in previous years.
Summary of Key Dates in 2026
April 2026
SSP & Paternity Rights: Sick pay becomes a Day 1 right; no more waiting period.
October 2026
Third-Party Liability: Employers are liable for harassment by customers/clients.
October 2026
Tribunal Extension Time limit to bring employment claims increases to 6 months.
Public consultation ends March 31
Road Safety Bill: New vehicle safety tech and tougher drink-drive enforcement.
How We Can Help
The legal world is moving toward a system that prioritises safety and early intervention. However, when things do go wrong, the complexity of these new laws can be overwhelming. Whether it is a road traffic collision involving new vehicle technology or a workplace injury involving mental health, the rules have changed.
If you or a loved one has been affected by an injury or illness and you are unsure how these 2026 changes affect your rights, our expert team is here to guide you.
Whether your injury happened at work, on the road, on holiday or during everyday life, you don’t have to handle the aftermath on your own. Contact NV Legal and let our team guide you through the claims process from start to finish.
We pride ourselves on our personal, hands-on approach. When you work with us, you won’t be passed between departments or left chasing updates. You’ll deal directly with one of our experienced solicitors, who will manage your claim and recovery pathway from start to finish.
If you need support, contact NV Legal. It is not just about the claim; it is about helping you recover. We operate on a no-win, no-fee basis; you will not be charged if your claim is unsuccessful, and your case will only be managed by a qualified solicitor from day one.
Call – 03330 112 732 Email – info@nvlegal.co.uk
Website – nvlegal.co.uk
