Pedestrian Accidents

Pedestrians are among the most vulnerable people on the UK’s roads. As they are not protected by a vehicle, pedestrians can suffer the full force of any collisions with cars or other road users. They can also be more difficult for drivers to spot, meaning there is an increased risk of being hit.

If you or a loved one have been struck as a pedestrian, you may be entitled to make a personal injury compensation claim. Compare pedestrian accident solicitors today to start the process.

Can I Make A Pedestrian Accident Claim?

You may be able to make a claim if you were struck by a vehicle on the pavement, road or at a crossing. In many cases, accidents are caused by dangerous or negligent driving. For example, they may be a result of speeding, ignoring traffic lights, not paying attention or driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Accidents can also be caused by motorists failing to give way when pedestrians have priority. For example, although the Highway Code states that when turning into a road, vehicles must give way to pedestrians who are already crossing, this doesn’t always happen.

You may be entitled to make a pedestrian accident claim if you have suffered serious injuries such as:

• Broken arms or legs
• Neck or back injuries
• Head or brain injuries
• Paralysis.

The majority of accidents that involve pedestrians are caused by the inattention or recklessness of motorists. However, even if you believe that you might have been partially responsible for the accident, you may still be entitled to compensation. This is known as ‘contributory negligence’ and means your compensation is reduced according to how much responsibility you hold. For example, if it was 50% your fault, your compensation amount is reduced by 50%.

As with any personal injury claim, it is difficult to judge how long a pedestrian accident claim can take. This is because each case varies according to a range of factors, including the severity of your injury and whether the other party accepts liability. Some claims can take as little as three months and some can take a lot longer. Get in touch with us today to ask any questions about your specific case.

How To Start A Pedestrian Accident Claim

The first step in making a compensation claim for a pedestrian accident is to get in touch with a specialist personal injury lawyer. Here at Compare Compensation Claims, we make it simple to compare claims companies so you can find the best one for you.

Once you provide all the necessary information and evidence, your solicitor will start building a case. The more you can provide, the stronger your case will be. Evidence can include:

• Police reports
• Witness statements
• Medical reports
• Photos of the accident scene and location
• CCTV or dash cam footage of the accident
• Receipts of outgoings following the incident, e.g. travel expenses for medical appointments.

Pedestrian Accident Fees And Compensation

If you’ve had a pedestrian accident, you can make a compensation claim without worrying about losing money. Many solicitors offer ‘no win, no fee’ agreements meaning you only pay if your case is successful. This is what’s known as a success fee and is a set percentage of your compensation amount, legally capped at 25%.

The amount of compensation you may receive for your injuries will depend on the specific details of your case, including the nature of the accident, the severity of your injuries and any support or rehabilitation you require as a result.

The factors that will be taken into account include:

• Your pain and suffering
• Loss of earnings (now and in the future)
• Expenses incurred as a result of the incident (including medical and travel costs)
• Your needs in terms of care and support (now and in the future)
• Any modifications you have had to make to your home
• Any mobility aids you need.

You can use our claims calculator to give you an idea of how much personal injury compensation you might be eligible to receive.

How Long Do I Have To Make A Pedestrian Injury Claim?

From the date of the accident, you have up to three years to begin your claim. However, time limits vary if you are making a criminal injury claim through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) or if you are taking legal action on behalf of a child or someone who has diminished mental capacity.

The important thing is not to delay your claim. It’s advisable to speak to a pedestrian accident claims lawyer as soon as possible to avoid the risk of running out of time.