Pedestrian Accident Claim

How to Make a Successful Pedestrian Accident Claim in the UK

Pedestrians are among the most vulnerable road users, and accidents involving them can lead to serious, life-changing injuries. If you’ve been injured in a road accident as a pedestrian, you may be entitled to compensation through pedestrian accident claims.

Understanding the claims process can help you secure the financial support you need for medical treatment, loss of earnings, and other damages.

This guide will walk you through the steps to making a successful claim, from gathering evidence to proving liability and securing fair compensation.

Reach out to us today on 0800 0747 644 or complete a Free Online Enquiry to tell us more about your situation.

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1. Understanding Pedestrian Accident Claims

A pedestrian accident claim is a legal process that allows an injured pedestrian to seek compensation when someone else’s negligence caused the accident. Due to their lack of protection, pedestrians are at high risk of severe injuries, including broken bones, head trauma, and spinal injuries.

Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents

Pedestrian accidents often occur due to:

• Driver negligence – speeding, failing to stop at crossings, driving under the influence, or using a mobile phone.
• Poor road conditions – potholes, faulty traffic lights, or inadequate street lighting.
• Reckless cyclists or motorcyclists – riding on pavements or disregarding traffic signals.

If you were involved in an accident caused by any of these factors, you may have grounds for a claim.

2. Who Can Make a Pedestrian Accident Claim?

To be eligible for compensation, you must be able to prove that:

• The accident was caused by another party’s negligence.
• You sustained injuries as a result of the accident.

Time Limits for Pedestrian Accident Claims

Standard time limit: You have three years from the accident date to make a claim.<

Exceptions:

• If the injured person is under 18, a parent or guardian can claim on their behalf. The child then has until their 21st birthday to claim if no action was taken earlier.
• If the injured person lacks mental capacity, the time limit may not apply until they regain capacity.

3. Steps to Take After a Pedestrian Accident

Taking the right steps after an accident can strengthen your claim. Here’s what to do:

1. Seek Medical Attention

• • Your health is the priority. See a doctor even if your injuries seem minor.
  • Medical records provide crucial evidence for your claim.

2. Report the Incident

• • If the accident involved a vehicle, report it to the police.
  • If a hit-and-run occurred, a police report will be vital for your case.

3. Gather Evidence

• • Take photos of the accident scene, your injuries, and any damaged property.
  • Obtain witness contact details.
  • Check if CCTV footage is available.

4. Keep Records of Expenses

• • Document medical bills, transport costs, and any loss of earnings.
  • Keep a diary detailing the impact of your injuries on daily life.

5. Seek Legal Advice

• • Consulting a specialist personal injury solicitor will ensure your claim is handled professionally.
  • A solicitor can assess your case and guide you through the process.

4. Proving Liability in Pedestrian Accident Claims

To win your claim, you need to prove that another party was at fault. This can be done using:

• Witness statements – Independent accounts supporting your version of events.
• Police reports – Official records detailing the accident.
• CCTV footage – Video evidence of the incident.
• Expert reports – Assessments from accident reconstruction specialists, if needed.

Even if the driver denies fault, a solicitor can help gather evidence to prove liability.

5. How Much Compensation Can You Receive?

The amount of compensation depends on:

• The severity of your injuries – More serious injuries result in higher payouts.
• Financial losses – Including medical expenses, loss of income, and rehabilitation costs.
• Pain and suffering – Compensation for the physical and emotional impact of the accident.

Typical Compensation Amounts

While each case is unique, the following are general compensation ranges:

• Minor injuries (soft tissue damage, minor fractures) – £1,000 to £12,000
• Moderate injuries (broken bones, lasting pain) – £12,000 to £50,000
• Severe injuries (brain injuries, spinal damage) – £50,000 to several hundred thousand pounds

A solicitor can help estimate your potential compensation based on your specific case.

6. No Win, No Fee Pedestrian Accident Claims

Many personal injury solicitors, including Grieves Solicitors, work on a No Win, No Fee basis. This means:

• You don’t pay any upfront legal fees.
• You only pay if your claim is successful.
• If your case doesn’t win, you owe nothing.

This arrangement ensures that you can pursue justice without financial risk.

How We Can Help

If you’ve been injured in a pedestrian accident, seeking compensation can help cover medical costs, lost earnings, and other damages. Acting quickly is essential, as there are strict time limits for claims.

At Grieves Solicitors, we specialise in pedestrian accident claims and can guide you through every step of the process. Contact us today for a free consultation and let us help you get the compensation you deserve.

Our caring and supportive team are here to listen and advise on 0800 0747 644. Or you can complete a Free Online Enquiry to set up a free consultation or tell us more about your story.

Here at Grieves Solicitors, Personal Injury Specialists, we offer a no win, no fee solution to funding your claim (a conditional fee agreement) which means that you do not have to worry about legal costs and expenses.  You can read about our no win, no fee agreement here.