Every year, thousands of injury claims are made by pedestrians who have been hit by a car, motorbike, bicycle or another type of vehicle.
Every year, thousands of injury claims are made by pedestrians who have been hit by a car, motorbike, bicycle or another type of vehicle.
If you or someone you know has been involved in a collision then it’s important to seek the advice of a specialist injury solicitor as soon as possible. Whether your injuries were substantial, catastrophic or comparatively minor, you may be able to claim for compensation and receive a settlement to support your recovery.
Pedestrian injury claims are often raised as a result of accidents caused by negligent driving, exceeding speed limits or ignoring traffic lights. It’s worth noting that pedestrians now have additional protective rights when crossing junctions following significant changes to the Highway Code in 2022.
If you’re unsure who was at fault for a collision we can give you an objective expert opinion on whether you have a case. You must submit a claim within three years of the incident to stand the best chance of success.
What are pedestrian accidents?
A pedestrian accident usually involves a collision between a vehicle and someone who is walking or standing. While this seems straightforward, determining the cause and proving which party is at fault can be complex.
Even if you believe you were partially at fault for the accident that caused your injuries, you might still be eligible to seek compensation. We have supported many clients through road traffic accident claims over the years. Often, the fault lies with vehicle drivers due to reasons such as:
- Not paying attention to the road or surrounding hazards
- Driving too quickly
- Being distracted by a phone while driving
- General distractions while driving
Occasionally, pedestrian accidents occur due to the pedestrian’s actions, such as not paying attention while crossing, wearing dark clothes at night that make them hard to spot by other road users, or emerging suddenly from behind parked cars.
Regardless of the specifics of the accident, drivers are legally required to follow the Highway Code, which means maintaining due care for all road users’ safety, including pedestrians, cyclists, and other vehicles. Responsibilities for drivers include:
- Keeping the vehicle in roadworthy condition
- Complying with all traffic laws
- Driving sensibly according to weather and road conditions
- Maintaining awareness of surroundings
Given the clear obligations drivers have, it’s uncommon for an accident involving a pedestrian where no driver fault is identified. If you’re uncertain about whether you have grounds for a claim, our expert legal team can provide clarity on your legal options. Get in touch with Injury Lawyers 4U today to discuss your situation.
The evidence you’ll need to make a pedestrian accident claim
To successfully make a claim for compensation after a pedestrian accident, you’ll need to be able to demonstrate that another party was at fault, either completely or partially. Gathering strong evidence as soon as possible will make the claim process smoother and increase your chances of receiving the compensation you deserve. Here is some of the evidence that may prove vital to your claim:
- Your account of the accident scene and the events leading up to the incident
- A police report detailing the accident
- Photos or video footage capturing the scene of the accident
- Names and contact details of any witnesses
- Information about the vehicle involved, such as its make, model, and registration number
- Any available CCTV footage that recorded the incident
- Records of medical treatment you received, whether immediately at the scene or later at a hospital or from your GP
If you’re unable to gather all this information on your own, don’t worry. At Injury Lawyers 4U, our team can assist you in collecting and organising the evidence needed to support your claim.
Time limit to make a pedestrian accident claim
In most situations involving a pedestrian accident that causes injuries, you’ll have a time limit of three years from the date of the accident to initiate a claim for compensation. However, there are exceptions.
For children injured in such accidents, parents and guardians can make a claim on their behalf up until their 18th birthday. After this, the three-year time limit will apply and they will have until their 21st birthday to submit a claim. The time limit may also be extended in situations where the injured party has a mental incapacity that either pre-dates the accident or is a direct cause of it.
In all pedestrian accident scenarios, we believe the best course of action is to start the claim process as soon as possible. The sooner you file a claim, the better your recollection of the accident will be, and the easier it’ll be to gather evidence to build the strongest possible case. At Injury Lawyers 4U, our experienced team is here to guide you through every step to make the process as smooth and stress-free as it can be.
What is the average settlement for a pedestrian hit by a car in the UK?
It’s not uncommon for people who have been hit by a car to receive settlements worth thousands, if not tens of thousands, of pounds. The amount of compensation you’ll receive having been involved in a road traffic collision will depend on a number of factors, including:
- Severity of physical injuries
- Location of physical injuries
- Severity of psychological trauma
- Impact on work or home life
- Cost of medical treatment and rehabilitation
- Accidents where driver is under the influence of alcohol or drugs
To give you a clearer idea of potential compensation, our compensation calculator helps estimate the payout for different types of injury. This calculator uses data from the Judicial College Guidelines to provide an estimate for general damages.
Beyond general damages, you may also be eligible to claim special damages. These are intended to cover any financial losses you’ve already encountered or might incur in the future due to your injuries. Examples include:
- Lost earnings or pension
- Medical and rehabilitation expenses
- Costs for necessary care, whether professional or provided by family
- Any other out-of-pocket costs linked to the accident
Special damages are much more difficult to estimate and tend to vary on a case by case basis, so it’s worth getting in touch with Injury Lawyers 4U to understand the true value of your potential claim.
Claiming for a hit-and-run pedestrian accident
Dealing with the aftermath of a hit-and-run can be overwhelming, especially when the driver responsible fails to stop and provide their details. Thankfully, you’re not left without options – you’re still able to pursue a claim for compensation through the Motor Insurers Bureau (MIB).
Under the Road Traffic Act 1988, Section 170, any driver involved in an accident must stop to give their information or report the accident to the police within 24 hours. If this doesn’t happen, and you’re left injured by an unidentified driver, the MIB can help secure the compensation you need for your injuries.
At Injury Lawyers 4U, we have over 20 years experience in handling road traffic accident claims at every level of complexity . We support you every step of the way, ensuring you understand your rights and the process, so you can focus on your recovery without the added stress of financial hardship.
Claiming for an accident with an uninsured driver
Just as with hit-and-run accidents, if you’re injured by a driver who lacks insurance, you still have the right to seek compensation for your injuries. These cases are also managed through the Motor Insurers Bureau (MIB).
The process involves submitting any available information about the incident to the MIB, including details like the time and location of the accident. The MIB will also seek additional supporting evidence, such as CCTV footage, to help validate your claim.
Claiming for a pedestrian accident on behalf of a family member
If a loved one has been hurt in a pedestrian accident and can’t make a personal injury claim themselves, you can act on their behalf as their ‘litigation friend’. This could be due to the injured person suffering from severe impairments or lacking the mental capacity to handle legal matters themselves. Serious injuries, such as brain or spinal damage, can profoundly affect a person’s life, and require substantial ongoing care and support.
Additionally, if a pedestrian accident tragically results in the passing of a family member, you can also step in to claim on behalf of their estate. The compensation you receive may be used to cover funeral expenses and provide essential financial support for dependents.
Why choose Injury Lawyers 4 U?
We believe our clients deserve the best possible support to ensure their short and long-term recovery following a collision. Over the years we’ve helped people win thousands of pedestrian personal injury claims – and we could do the same for you.
Our expert solicitors leave no stone unturned when it comes to fighting your corner and securing the level of financial support you deserve. Unfortunately in some cases the injuries caused by a road traffic collision may be fatal, and we often support families that are looking for justice and compensation following this.
Next steps
If you or somebody you know has been hit by a car or another vehicle, get in touch below to arrange a free consultation and discuss your situation with one of our injury claim experts. We operate a no win, no fee policy, so you don’t have to worry about any upfront costs. That also means that we only take on cases that we believe have a high chance of success.
You can reach us directly on 0333 400 4445 or, if you’d prefer, please feel free to fill in the contact form to arrange a call back at a time that suits you.
