Pedestrian Accidents Claims & Pedestrian Accident Compensation

What are the causes of pedestrian accidents?

The majority of accidents involving pedestrians are caused by the illegal and negligent behaviour of other road users (usually drivers). Common causes of accidents include:

• Driving without due care and attention
• Speeding
• Driving under the influence of alcohol
• Driving when tired
• Driving dangerously

Pedestrians are most likely to be injured in the evening and at night when overall visibility is low and drivers aren’t as able to see pedestrians. Accidents are also more likely to happen in the winter months when days are shorter and nights are longer than in the summer months when light is available for longer.

If you have been injured in a pedestrian accident that was caused by another person’s negligence, you may be entitled to claim compensation. As the victim of a pedestrian accident, you will be paid to compensation to reimburse you for the physical, financial and emotional suffering you have had to endure because of another person’s carelessness or inappropriate actions.

Claims for Children who are struck by a vehicle

Out of all pedestrians, those aged 16 and under are the most likely to be involved in an accident. Tragically, more than 6,000 children are involved in pedestrian accidents every year; of that number, 2,000 will be seriously injured and 30 will sadly die. Children who have been involved in serious accidents are often left with serious physical injuries, suffering broken bones, internal bleeding, and potentially life-changing spinal injuries. As well as suffering physically, many children are left with severe psychological issues, preventing them from walking near roads or travelling by foot.

Claiming for a pedestrian accident involving a child

If your child has been involved in a pedestrian accident, you have the right to claim compensation on their behalf.

Children aren’t able to make compensation claims themselves until they turn 18 and can be classed as adults. In order for a claim to be made before this time, the child’s parent or legal guardian must act as their ‘litigation friend’ and represent their interests in court.

Compensation claims should be made as soon as possible after the event to ensure all evidence is fresh and reliable.

If your child has been seriously injured, you may be able to petition the court to release funds early to help with medical and rehabilitation costs.

Generally, compensation money is kept by the court until the child turns 18, but there are exceptions to this rule that our solicitors can help you to understand.

How much compensation will I be entitled to?

Compensation payout amounts are decided on a case by case basis by the courts.

The courts will assess the severity of your injuries, your emotional suffering and your financial hardship to decide an amount that is appropriate to your suffering. Compensation amounts vary massively, ranging from around £3,000 for a whiplash claim to more than £140,000 for a spinal injury.

Our Injury Claim Compensation Calculator can help you work out how much money you will be able to claim. Like the courts, the calculator will assess your personal details and generate an estimated amount that is relevant to your circumstances.

When can I make a claim?

If you have been involved in a pedestrian accident, you have three years from the date of the accident to make a claim. If you were a child at the time of the accident, you will have three years from the day you turn 18 to make a personal injury claim (providing your parents haven’t already made a claim for you).

Wherever possible, victims should endeavour to make a claim as soon as possible after the accident has occurred to ensure all evidence pertaining to the accident is fresh and witnesses’ recall is clear.

If you have been injured by a car or other road user, contact our specialist Pedestrian Accident Solicitors today to discuss your case. Our solicitors will handle your case on a No Win No Fee Injury Claim basis and will work tirelessly to ensure you receive the money you are entitled to.