Growth of road traffic legal firm vindicates move to set up specialist services

Over the past 12 months, RTALS, which operates specialist services Motorcycle Law Scotland, Cycle Law Scotland and Pedestrian Law Scotland, has seen its case load rise 12 percent (45 percent over the past 24 months) and the number of current live cases is at its highest since the niche practice was established in 2013.

Forecasted damages recovered for clients this year (ending November 30) will also be a record at £4.5 million, bringing the total in damages recovered in the firm’s short history to nearly £12m.

Set up and run by senior partner Brenda Mitchell (pictured), a personal injury lawyer of over 30 years standing, staff now number ten, where just four years ago it was only Ms Mitchell and an assistant.

Jodi Gordon has been promoted to associate solicitor. A further lawyer, Carrie Burrows joins RTALS from Thompsons Solicitors and the firm has recruited two trainees, Thomas Mitchell and Zara Jones.

Ms Mitchell said: “The team are all personally - and for some, professionally - experienced in the world of two wheels. This not only gives us a formidable advantage that challenges our rivals, but it enriches our relationships with our clients and makes us passionate about our discipline.

“Our very first case epitomises our approach and our expertise. Adam Wagner suffered a below knee amputation in a motorcycle accident and was initially offered £9,000 by his previously instructed solicitor to re-fit his bathroom to accommodate his disability.

“Adam was 17 at the time of his accident and had his whole life ahead of him. He wanted to be a motor mechanic. We took on his case and fought for him to receive state-of-the art prosthetics so he could pursue his dreams like every young person should. We secured damages of nearly £350,000.”