Weeks of below freezing weather are predicted to create fissures and holes in roads and pavements as freezing water expands. As a result highways agencies and local authorities "could be hit by legal claims for compensation from road users for damage to their vehicles or personal injury claims," according to AA president, Edmund King.

And the Brighton Argus reports that lawyers are predicting councils will face "a raft of claims for injuries incurred on icy roads and treacherous pavements."

Already hospitals in Sussex have reported "hundreds of people" being admitted into casualty wards after falling on ice after roads and pavements were not gritted after snowfall and sub-zero temperatures.

The Argus also reported that local law firms had received dozens of enquiries from accident victims.

Personal injury claims can range from trips and slips and car accident whiplash cases to catastrophic brain and spinal injuries involving complex litigation.

Whatever the claim, it is important that the injured person is represented by an independent specialist personal injury lawyer.

At Osbornes we have a team of dedicated PI lawyers, one of whom will run your case from the outset.