UK Guide To Pedestrian Accident Claims

Welcome to our guide to pedestrian crossing claims and pedestrian accident compensation. In it, we answer the questions of ‘how much compensation for being hit by a car UK could I claim?’ and ‘I hit a pedestrian with a car what happens?’.

You’ll find some top tips on proving pedestrian accident claims too. We discuss how we could help with a pedestrian hit by a car claim and help you understand what’s involved in claiming compensation for a hit and run or other pedestrian accidents.

Plus, we explain what affects how much compensation for a car accident as a pedestrian you could receive. Whether you hit someone with a car or you’re a pedestrian hit by a car, this guide could prove useful.

We even explain more about how the Motor Insurers’ Bureau could help someone getting hit by a car such as a pedestrian hit by a car claim hit and run compensation.

Could you claim compensation for being hit by a car?

In the United Kingdom, many people die every year because of pedestrian accidents. This includes pedestrians being struck by a vehicle that is going too fast, being hit due to a car not stopping at a zebra crossing, and so on.

These types of incidents can have a serious impact on the victim’s life, and in some cases, they result in fatal consequences. If you or someone you love has been injured due to a pedestrian accident, we can help you to get the compensation that you deserve.

We have years of experience in the industry, and we have handled many cases like this before. If you have any queries or you would like to make a claim, you can reach our experienced and friendly team on 0800 073 8801. But first, make sure you read on to find out everything you need to know about pedestrian crossing claims.

What Is Classed As A Pedestrian Accident?

Pedestrian crossing claims Pedestrians are the most vulnerable when it comes to road traffic accidents. When involved in a crash, a pedestrian will suffer the full force of it, whereas motorists have protection in the form of airbags and seatbelts.

There are lots of different types of pedestrian accidents that can happen, so it is vital to keep this in mind. This includes incidents whereby pedestrians are attempting to cross a road or highway.

There can also be accidents due to parking area defects, walkway obstructions, poor road maintenance, and so on. Not all pedestrian accidents, therefore, are caused due to the driver. It could be that you need to launch a claim against the council if the roads in your area have not been maintained properly.

Who could be held liable for pedestrian accident claims?

So, in many cases, you could be claiming pedestrian accident compensation against one of the following:

• A motorist or driver that has hit you
• The local government for poor maintenance
• Or the individual that is legally responsible for maintaining the roads, parking areas, or pavements where the accident has occurred – it does not always fall on the government’s shoulders

This is, indeed, what makes pedestrian crossing claims unique and often hard to estimate in terms of the compensation payout – each case is different. But this is not something for you to worry about, as we will be there to guide you every step of the way.

Statistics About Pedestrian Accidents In The UK

Every year, people are killed due to road traffic accidents. In 2020, pedestrians made up 14,750 those who were injured due to accidents on GB roads. This graphic provided by the UK Government shows injuries from slight to fatalities by road user type in 2020.

The graphic below, which has also been provided by the UK Government, also shows that pedestrians fall into one of the most vulnerable road user groups. You can see the number of road traffic accidents involving pedestrians, as it shows the casualties per billion passenger miles by road user type for the same period.

If you hit a pedestrian with your car, you should report the incident using this government form. You can also call us for legal advice if you hit a pedestrian with your car in the UK.

What To Do After A Pedestrian Accident

Gathering as much evidence as possible is critical. Here are some of the steps you should take when making pedestrian crossing claims:

• Use your mobile phone to take photos of the scene and the surrounding area.
• Get the contact information of the perpetrator (if at the scene, for example, a driver), as well as any witnesses.
• Get medical attention if you are injured. This is not only vital for your health, but for your claim too because the medical report is always the most critical piece of evidence.
• Keep hold of any documents, for example, receipts, which will prove the costs you have had to fund yourself because of your accident.
• Call your solicitor to start the claim process. That is where we come in!

What Is The Time Limit For Pedestrian Accident Claims?

The Limitation Act 1980 states the time limit for starting pedestrian accident claims is three years. This time limit usually begins from the date you were injured.

In some circumstances, the time limit can work differently. For example, the time limit is paused for minors until the day of their 18th birthday. Before that day comes, a claim could be made on the child’s behalf by a court-appointed litigation friend. Once they turn 18, they will have three years to start a claim if one has not already been made.

If someone lacks the mental capacity to start a claim on their own, then the three-year time limit is indefinitely suspended. In such circumstances, a litigation friend could make a claim on their behalf. However, if they were to regain this mental capacity and a claim has not already been started for them, they will have three years to start a claim from the date of recovery.

Contact our advisors today to see if you have enough time to start your claim if you were a pedestrian hit by a car.

Pedestrians In Road Traffic Accidents

The vast majority of pedestrian accidents do happen due to incidents on the road. There are a number of steps you can take to enhance your safety and reduce the chances of you being involved in such an incident. This includes the following:

• Choose a safe place to cross the road, for example, a designated crossing section, footbridge, or subway.
• Pause before you step onto the road and check both directions to ensure there is no oncoming traffic.
• Don’t only look for traffic but listen for it too.
• Cross the road safely and quickly when you are able to do so.

While these steps can reduce the chances of an accident occurring, if you have been injured because of a careless driver, you can make a claim for pedestrian accident compensation. Unfortunately, no matter how safely we operate ourselves, there is always the chance that there could be a reckless driver on the road who is speeding or driving under the influence and causes an injury. If so, call us today to start the process for securing pedestrian hit by car compensation.

Pedestrian Accident at Work Claims

All employers by law are required to provide a working environment that is healthy and safe. This is the case irrespective of where you work or the type of job you have. If your boss has failed in his or her legal duty, and you have been injured as a consequence, you are well within your rights to secure compensation. Your employer – again, by law – should also have insurance in place to cover such a scenario, so you do not need to worry about there being any consequences for your boss in this sense.

There are lots of different types of pedestrian accidents that can happen in the workplace. Some include:

• Back injuries because of regular climbing, lifting, stretching, twisting or bending
• Injuries because of defective work equipment
• Accidents because of inadequate training
• Tripping on obstructions, for instance, uneven flooring or loose cables

No matter whether you have sustained an injury that has been mentioned above or not, you simply need to prove that your employer is to blame if you are to be successful in the pedestrian crossing claims process.

Pedestrian Accident Claims And Public Place Incidents

Pedestrian accidents can happen in any type of public environment. The following is a mere handful of examples:

• Hospitals and offices
• Theatres and cinemas
• Public swimming pools
• Pavements and roads
• Stadiums
• Libraries
• Public gardens and parks
• Picnic areas and public play areas
• Pedestrian zones
• Supermarkets
• Retail stores

The owner of the building in question or the tenant will typically be responsible for what has happened. Irrespective of who this is, it is you right to claim, so make sure you give us a call to discuss this further.

Pedestrian Accident Claims And Hit And Runs

According to figures from 2018, there were over 26,000 personal injuries reportedly related to hit and run, untraceable and uninsured drivers. 130 people lost their lives in accidents such as these. But what happens if you are a pedestrian injured by an untraceable driver? Could you claim hit and run compensation? And if so,  where would the compensation come from?

If you were a pedestrian hit by a car that drove off, you could still make a pedestrian accident claim, However, if the driver is untraceable, your claim would usually go through the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB). This is an organisation that compensates those injured by uninsured and untraceable drivers. 

Here at Accident Claims UK, we could assess your case to see if you could be eligible to make a claim to the Motor Insurers’ Bureau. We could help you make pedestrian accident claims for hit and run compensation. Our No Win No Fee solicitors could handle your claim from start to finish and help get the compensation you deserve. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch with the team for free legal advice or to begin your claim.