Pedestrians pretty much always come off second best in a collision with any vehicle. So if you've been struck on a pavement or pedestrian crossing, our industry-leading pedestrian accident lawyers are here to help you get the rehabilitation and compensation you deserve.
Choosing to walk rather than using a vehicle can have many positive takeaways; from great health benefits to reducing our daily environmental impact. Yet pedestrians are among some of the most vulnerable users on our roads and as a result, they almost always come off second best if they are caught in a collision or accident with other road users.
According to statistics published by the government, an average of 8 pedestrians died and 115 were seriously injured in road accidents each week between 2016 and 2021. These figures are staggering, and highlight the importance of ensuring that we are all using our roads responsibly and safely.
Injuries caused by road accidents can be devastating for pedestrians, and if the worst happens, it is critical that you are able to access to the help and support you need to be able to recover as best and as quickly as possible. And while compensation might not be the first thing on your mind, a pedestrian accident claim can help you being to put your life back together.
At Slater and Gordon, our expert pedestrian accident lawyers are leaders in the industry, and we pride ourselves on offering sympathetic, professional and honest support to those who need us most.
What does a pedestrian accident compensation claim include?
A pedestrian accident claim will seek to compensate you for the injuries caused in the accident, as well as the subsequent impact they have on your quality of life. These are known as general and special damages.
‘General damages’ refers to any physical or mental injuries caused by the accident. The amount that you will receive will be determined by the extent of the injury caused, and by how quickly you are likely to recover, according to a medical expert.
‘Special damages’ refers to any other expenses or losses that you may incur because of your injuries. For example, it can include the loss of any wages if you have been unable to work, any physiotherapy or other treatments you may need to pay for, any adaptations to your home that may be required, or any travel costs (if, for instance, you’ve been unable to drive).
How much compensation will I receive for a pedestrian accident claim?
As you might expect, the level of compensation awarded depends on the extent of your injuries and how serious they are. As a general rule, the more severe your injuries, the more compensation you can expect to receive. This is because more severe injuries will usually have a much more significant impact on your quality of life, and it can take much longer for you to full recover.
In extreme cases, it may be that full recovery is not possible or highly unlikely, in which case the total amount of compensation will also seek to take into account that impact that has on your life and your ability to work long-term.
Can I make a pedestrian injury claim if I’ve been injured in a hit and run accident?
A ‘hit and run’ describes an accident in which one or more involved parties leave the scene without stopping. Fleeing the scene of an accident in this way is against the law. Unfortunately, however, it does still happen, and it can make it difficult to then track down the responsible party.
If you’ve been injured as a result of a hit and run accident, you may be wondering how claiming compensation works. In the UK, the Motor Insurer’s Bureau (MIB) was set up to provide compensation for those who have been injured or caught in an accident due to the negligence of an untraceable or uninsured driver.
Our pedestrian accident lawyers have years of experience dealing with such cases, and are here to support you through every step of the claims process.
Can pedestrians claim compensation for a road traffic accident?
Our personal injury lawyer Victoria Higgins explains how a pedestrian can make a claim after a road traffic accident that was not their fault.
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What are the time limits for making a pedestrian accident compensation claim?
Generally speaking, you have three years from the date of the accident to submit a pedestrian accident claim.
However, there are circumstances in which this time limit may be changed. For example, if you’re claiming on behalf of a child or someone with lacks mental capacity, or if you have been injured as a child and wish to make a claim (in which case, you have three years from the date of your 18th birthday). The time limits for making a claim may also be different if your accident happened abroad, as every country has different rules.
It is therefore strongly advised that you contact a pedestrian accident lawyer as soon as possible to discuss your case in more detail. They will then be able to provide advice specific to your case, including any deadlines that must be met.
How long will a pedestrian accident claim take?
As with many other personal injury claims, it can be difficult to judge how long a pedestrian accident claim will take to process. There are a number of factors that can contribute to the length of the process; naturally, the severity of your injuries will be a factor, as well as whether the insurer of the party at fault is prepared to accept liability.
It’s always best to contact an expert pedestrian accident lawyer as soon as possible, and they can help you get the ball rolling promptly.
Really helpful and always on the other side of the phone if needed. Quick and easy service.
Ashley
Excellent communication, in constant contact with the latest info regarding your case.
David
Everything is moving along quickly and smoothly. Good professional service I'm glad I chose Slater and Gordon.
Kenny Jackson
We understand how traumatising it can be to be a pedestrian caught in an accident. As some of the most vulnerable people on the road, the damage an accident can do is severe, and the impact this can then have on you and your family is often devastating.
That’s why we pride ourselves on going the extra mile to support our clients. Our lawyers take a sympathetic, professional and honest approach to those who seek our help with pedestrian accident injuries, and work tirelessly to get the compensation our clients deserve.
Our team is consistently ranked highly in reputable independent legal directories, such as Chambers and Partners, and the Legal 500, and are among the best and most experienced injury lawyers in the country. We work closely with medical professionals to ensure each and every one of our clients receives the best possible outcome, both in terms of financial compensation and rehabilitation. We also have an in-house rehabilitation coordinator, who is on hand to provide immediate support, allowing you to focus on your recovery.
We are an award winning law firm and have a dedicated team of road traffic accident solicitors to advise and guide you – no matter how complex your situation may be.
Affordability and advice
We're able to offer affordable expert legal advice and can provide guidance on all aspects of road traffic accident claims. Our Initial Consultation provides tailored advice on your situation giving you clear guidance and options regarding next steps.
Tailored advice
We understand that every claim is different – so we are able to provide tailored advice and guidance to suit your individual needs.
Local access
We are a national law firm, with legal experts available locally across the UK. Meetings can be arranged via telephone or video call, to suit your requirements.
Speak to one of our road traffic accident solicitors today
What should I do if I’m a pedestrian hit by a car, or I witness another pedestrian hit by a car?
Being involved in, or witnessing, an accident can be harrowing, and many people experience shock in the immediate aftermath. It is crucial however that you seek immediate medical attention for anyone who has been injured, and report the accident to the police.
If possible, make a note of any injuries and get the details of the driver or drivers involved in the accident, including insurance information, name, phone number and registration plate. Try to get photographic evidence of the scene if you can, as well as the details of any witnesses happy to share their information.
The information you gather can help build a case for compensation if you decide to reach out to a solicitor, and it can help any police enquiries if you already have the information of any witnesses they may wish to speak to.
Will I need to attend a medical examination as part of my pedestrian accident claim?
For most personal injury claims, you’ll be required to undergo a routine medical examination by an experienced medical expert, who will discuss your injuries and their impact on your life in detail. They will then produce a medico legal report, which is used as evidence by the courts and solicitors to determine the extent of your injuries and how quickly you might be expected to recover.
Can I make a no win no fee pedestrian accident claim?
Many of the cases we pursue on behalf of our clients are done so by way of a conditional fee arrangement, more commonly known as No Win No Fee. There are no upfront costs, and if your claim is unsuccessful, you will not have to pay a fee to your solicitor.
However, no win no fee arrangements are not the only way to fund your case. To learn more about the available funding options and which might suit you best, speak to a member of our team.
Can I make a pedestrian accident claim on behalf of someone else?
If a loved one has been injured in an accident and is not able to claim injury compensation themselves, it may be possible for you to do so on their behalf. Cases where this may be possible include:
Claiming on behalf of a child (under 18 years old)
Claiming on behalf of someone with diminished mental capacity
Claiming for someone with life-changing injuries
Claiming after a fatal accident
If you wish to discuss the possibility of claiming on behalf of someone else, our expert solicitors will be happy to discuss this with you in more detail.
Really helpful and always on the other side of the phone if needed. Quick and easy service. Ashley
Excellent communication, in constant contact with the latest info regarding your case. David
Everything is moving along quickly and smoothly. Good professional service I'm glad I chose Slater and Gordon. Kenny Jackson