Law firm Shakespeare Martineau has been appointed by Highways England to help recover damages for repairs to roadside assets caused by allegedly negligent motorists.
After a competitive tender process the firm’s Corclaim Uninsured Loss Recovery (ULR) division, has been enlisted to provide advocacy and litigation services over the next two years.
This will include giving legal advice and support regarding the more technical, complex, and high value claims as well as helping to clear a backlog of approximately 2,500 claims.
Partner and head of Corclaim Mark Merrell said: ‘We are clearly delighted to be working with Highways England in helping them to recover damages to which they are entitled, and which ultimately goes back into the public purse to help with the costs of maintaining and improving our road network.
‘The appointment is a big vote of confidence in our dedicated and market leading ULR team and thanks go to all of our staff in doing such outstanding work which has ultimately led us to such an exciting appointment.’
The government-owned road operator said ‘the aim of the contract will be to ensure that the backlog for all Highways England claims has been cleared and that Highways England are able to recover claims in respect of damage to our strategic road network in a timely manner. With the aim of recovering in excess of 90% of the value of those claims.’
The contract is for 24 months, with the option to extend for a further 12 months.
