Helping you make a pedestrian accident claim
We understand that being involved in a road accident as a pedestrian can be a traumatic experience. You may have been walking on the street when, suddenly, a vehicle hit you, leading to injuries that impact both your physical health and mental well-being.
Pedestrians are considered vulnerable road users, just like cyclists and motorcyclists, and pedestrian accidents often cause significant harm. We're here to help you start your pedestrian accident claim, offering the legal support you need to seek compensation for your injuries and losses.
What is a pedestrian accident?
A pedestrian accident occurs when a person on foot is involved in a road traffic collision with a vehicle whilst walking. If you've been hit by a car and sustained injuries, it's natural to feel overwhelmed and reliant on others for support and the stress of lost earnings and medical bills can weigh heavily on you.
What are the main causes of pedestrian accidents?
Pedestrian accidents can happen for a variety of reasons, and the fault may lie with either the driver or the pedestrian, or even both. The most common factor allocated to the drivers involved in pedestrian accidents is ‘driver or rider failed to look properly'. In cases where the driver is at fault, other common causes include:
- Excessive speed
- Distracted driving
- Driving under the influence
On the other hand, pedestrians can be partially at fault or contribute to accidents by:
- Failing to look properly: Pedestrians may fail to check for oncoming traffic, particularly at junctions or crossings.
- Crossing recklessly: Running across the road without using designated crossings or stepping out from behind parked cars can leave little time for drivers to react.
- Wearing dark clothing at night: This makes it harder for drivers to see pedestrians, especially in poorly lit areas.
No matter the circumstances, if you were injured and the accident was not your fault or only partially your fault, you could be eligible to make a personal injury and accident claim. Get in touch on to check your eligibility today.
While we can't undo the pain you've endured, we can help you file a pedestrian accident claim to seek financial compensation. This can help ease the financial strain, allowing you to focus on your recovery. Simply call us on , or fill out our online form to start your claim.
Common Pedestrian Injuries After Being Hit by a Car
Pedestrian accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, from minor cuts and bruises to life-altering trauma. The severity of these injuries often depends on the speed and impact of the vehicle, as well as where the pedestrian is struck. Here are some of the most common injuries sustained in pedestrian accidents:
- Spinal cord injuries: Damage to the spinal cord can have devastating consequences, including partial or total paralysis. The level of paralysis depends on the location of the injury along the spine, and recovery can be uncertain.
- Head and brain injuries: Traumatic brain injuries (TBI), concussions, skull fractures, and brain swelling.
- Internal injuries: Internal bleeding, bruising, or damage to organs such as the liver, spleen, or kidneys.
- Fractures and broken bones: Fractures across the body such as the legs, arms, ribs, or pelvis due to the force of impact.
- Neck and back injuries: Whiplash, chronic pain, reduced mobility, or long-term discomfort that requires ongoing treatment.
- Psychological trauma: Beyond the physical injuries, pedestrian accidents can lead to significant emotional and psychological impacts. Anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are common.
- Cuts, bruises, and lacerations: While often less severe than other injuries, deep cuts or wounds may still require stitches, and can lead to scarring or infections.
Start your claim online
Use our market leading calculator to start your claim online. It can give you an indicative claim valuation, plus confirm if you can manage your case online through our MyAccount customer account area.
Claim onlineHow much compensation can I claim for a pedestrian car accident?
How much compensation can I claim for a pedestrian car accident?
Compensation for pedestrian accidents depends on several factors, including the severity of the injury, the financial impact (lost wages, medical bills), and the emotional toll. Compensation may also account for ongoing rehabilitation, home modifications if needed, and the impact on your quality of life.
If eligible to claim, your settlement figure will take into account several factors, including:
- Injury type and severity
- Recovery time.
- Medical expenses and travel costs.
- Lost earnings from time off work
- Any lifestyle changes that you have had to make as a result of your injuries.
- Ongoing care needs and any home adaptations you may need
Your solicitor will negotiate with the responsible party's insurer to secure a fair settlement. While it's difficult to predict an exact amount at the start, using our compensation calculator can give you an estimate based on your physical losses compared to similar cases.
Try our pedestrian accident compensation calculator
Our industry-leading claim calculator allows you to quickly assess how much your claim could be worth. The tool takes into account the type of injuries you've sustained, details of the financial impact, and other relevant factors to provide an estimate of your compensation amount.
Am I eligible to make a pedestrian car accident claim?
Am I eligible to make a pedestrian car accident claim?
Determining whether you can make a pedestrian car accident claim usually depends on whether someone else was responsible for your injury, either through negligence or a direct violation of traffic laws. As a general rule, you may have a valid claim if:
- The accident occurred within the last three years.
- It resulted in an injury that required medical attention.
- Another party was fully or partially responsible for the accident and it wasn't your fault.
To establish your case, it's important to contact a legal expert who can assess the circumstances of your accident and establish whether you may have a valid claim. We offer a free, confidential service to help you understand whether you could be eligible to claim based on your injuries and accident details.
Get in touch on and one of our friendly advisors will listen to your circumstances and help work out your eligibility with no obligation and no pressure.
Is there a time limit for making a pedestrian accident compensation claim?
Is there a time limit for making a pedestrian accident compensation claim?
With limitation periods in the UK, you generally have three years from the date of the accident to make a claim. If you were under 18 at the time of the accident, the three-year window starts on your 18th birthday.
In some cases of serious brain injuries or other impairments, the time limit may be extended depending on whether mental capacity is impaired, but it's always advisable to start the claims process as soon as possible to avoid complications or delays.
Can you claim compensation for a hit and run accident?
Can you claim compensation for a hit and run accident?
Being injured in hit and run accidents can be particularly devastating as the victim is left to deal with the aftermath alone. Even if the hit and run driver cannot be identified, you may still be able to pursue compensation through the Motor Insurers Bureau (MIB), which compensates victims of uninsured and untraced drivers.
To increase your chances of a successful hit and run claim, gather as much evidence as possible, such as witness statements, CCTV footage, or photos of the scene. You should also contact the police immediately, as their report will play a key role in supporting your claim.
How do hit and run claims work?
How do hit and run claims work?
Hit and run claims are handled through the MIB, which investigates accidents where the driver cannot be identified or is uninsured. The MIB will require evidence such as photographs, and witness statements to support your claim. If you can get the uninsured driver's contact details, that can help your claim. The process can take some time, as the MIB needs to thoroughly investigate the circumstances of your accident. However, with proper documentation and legal assistance, you can still receive compensation for your injuries and losses, even without the at-fault driver present.
What is the purpose of compensation for injury?
What is the purpose of compensation for injury?
The financial impact of a pedestrian accident can be overwhelming, but compensation can provide vital support during your recovery. If you're wondering whether to claim or not, there are so many ways compensation can help improve recovery and quality of life:
- Medical expenses: Covering the costs of immediate treatments, hospital stays, surgery, and prescription medications.
- Rehabilitation and therapy: Funding for ongoing physiotherapy, occupational therapy, or psychological counselling, which may be crucial to your recovery, especially if you've suffered severe or long-term injuries.
- Loss of income: Compensating you for any lost wages if you're unable to work due to your injuries, as well as future earnings if you face long-term unemployment, forced role changes or reduced capacity to work.
- Travel expenses: Reimbursing costs for travel to and from medical appointments, including taxis, public transport, or petrol expenses.
- Home adaptations: If your injuries have led to long-term disability, compensation can help modify your home to accommodate mobility needs to help you continue to live a fulfilling life. This could include installing ramps, widening doorways, or even building a downstairs bathroom.
- Care and assistance: Funding for any professional care you or your family might need, such as a carer or home help, or even compensation for a family member who has to provide care themselves.
- Specialist equipment: Covering the cost of mobility aids like wheelchairs or crutches, and other equipment that may be necessary for your independence.
- Pain and suffering: A sum to acknowledge the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident. This holds those responsible accountable for their actions.
- Impact on quality of life: Compensating for the loss of enjoyment of hobbies, social activities, or other lifestyle changes resulting from the accident.
By securing the compensation you deserve, you'll not only ease the financial burden but also give yourself the space to focus on maximising your recovery and regain control of your life.
What to do after a pedestrian car accident?
After a pedestrian accident, the shock and trauma can make it difficult to think clearly, but following certain steps can protect your safety and improve your chances of a successful compensation claim:
- Move to safety: If possible, get out of the road to avoid further danger.
- Seek medical attention: Even if injuries seem minor, you must get a professional evaluation, as some injuries (such as concussions) may not present symptoms immediately.
- Call the police: A police report is a vital piece of evidence for any claim, documenting the circumstances of the accident.
- Exchange information: Collect the driver's details, including name, contact information, vehicle registration, and insurance details.
- Document the scene: Take photos of the vehicles, road conditions, and any visible injuries. If there are witnesses, ask for their contact details as their accounts can support your claim.
- Keep all medical records: Documenting your injuries and treatments will be essential for your compensation claim to ensure you are fully compensated.
Can I make a claim for a pedestrian accident involving a child?
When a child is injured in a pedestrian accident, the physical and emotional toll on both the child and their family can be immense. Children are less able to protect themselves and may suffer long-term consequences from accidents, including trauma and developmental setbacks.
If your child has been injured, you can claim on their behalf as their legal guardian. Child injury compensation can help cover the costs of medical treatment, therapy, and even educational support if the accident impacts their schooling. It's also possible to claim compensation for the time you've had to take off work to care for your child, protecting your family's financial stability during their recovery.
Can I make my pedestrian injury claim no win no fee?
Can I make my pedestrian injury claim no win no fee?
Yes, we operate on a no win no fee basis for most pedestrian injury claims, meaning you won't have to worry about upfront legal costs. If your claim is unsuccessful, and you adhere to the terms of your agreement, you won't owe us anything. This arrangement utilises a no-upfront-cost insurance that allows you to pursue compensation with less financial risk, giving you peace of mind throughout the claims process. Most pedestrian accident claims are handled on a no win no fee basis. This means:
- You won't pay any upfront costs
- If your claim is unsuccessful, you won't have to pay anything
- Your solicitor or legal team will discuss any fees before starting your case, so you're fully informed
How long could my pedestrian accident claim take to settle?
How long could my pedestrian accident claim take to settle?
The time it takes to settle a pedestrian accident claim varies depending on the complexity of the case. Straightforward cases, where the responsible party admits liability early, may settle within a few months. However, if liability is disputed or additional investigations are required, claims can take longer, sometimes a few years. But don't worry, your legal team will keep you updated throughout the process and provide an estimated timeline based on your individual case.
Will I need to go to court if I claim?
Will I need to go to court if I claim?
It's unlikely that your pedestrian accident claim will go to court, as only around 5% of personal injury claims require court appearances. Your solicitor will do everything possible to settle your claim without a court appearance, but they'll guide you through the process if necessary.
Can I make a pedestrian injury claim on behalf of someone else?
Can I make a pedestrian injury claim on behalf of someone else?
Yes, in some cases you can make a claim on behalf of a loved one if they are unable to do so themselves due to injury or age. This includes cases where the accident victim is a child or an adult who has evidentially suffered a traumatic brain injury or other life-altering injuries that have severely impaired their ability to cognitively function.
Why choose National Accident Helpline
With over years_since years of experience in pedestrian accidents and hit-and-run claims, we're here to help you understand if you have a claim. Our team and network of expert solicitors and lawyers will guide you through the process, ensuring you feel supported at every step.
As leading personal injury specialists, we know how an accident can impact your health, finances, and emotional well-being. Our caring helpline advisors will listen to your story at your own pace and offer friendly, impartial guidance about claiming.
How we approach sensitive calls
Our Personal Injury Advisors are empathetic, friendly and will always give you time to tell us what happened to you at your own pace. We've helped thousands of people make pedestrian accident claims since we were founded in 1993. In fact, we've spoken to more than two million people about their accidents. You can hear more about some of their experiences of making a claim on our customer stories page.
Contact us today for free to start your claim.