Hurt As A Pedestrian In The Last 3 Years?

Here’s How To Claim Compensation

If you have been hurt as a pedestrian in the last 3 years due to a road traffic accident, you may be eligible to make a personal injury claim. However, it is important to know that you may file a claim if the accident was through no fault of yours.

The amount of compensation varies based on the severity of your injuries, your medical expenses due to the accident, if you lost earnings and any long-term impact. It typically covers general damages (e.g. pain and suffering) and special damages (e.g. lost wages, medical costs).

Being injured as a pedestrian is a traumatic event. It is important to consult with a personal injury lawyer who can advise you if you have a valid case and Jefferies Claims can help. Furthermore, we work with ‘No Win, No Fee’ lawyers.

When Can You Make a Personal Injury Claim as a Pedestrian?

To make a successful personal injury claim as a pedestrian, certain legal criteria must be met:

Time Limit for Making a Claim

There is a standard three-year limitation period for personal injury claims. This means you must start your claim within three years from the date of the accident.

Exceptions include claims for children, whose 3 year time limit starts from their 18^th birthday. Additionally, those lacking mental capacity may have an indefinite period.

Who Was At Fault

To claim compensation, you must establish that another party was at fault. This could be due to a driver’s negligence, recklessness, or breach of traffic laws. You will also have to prove that your injury was directly linked to the harm caused by the accident.

Evidence Supporting Your Claim

Useful evidence can include CCTV or dashcam footage, as well as police reports. Any witness statements can also add to the evidence.

Additionally, you will need to obtain medical records document your injury and if possible, photos of the accident scene.

Type Of Injuries Sustained in a Pedestrian Accident

Pedestrian accidents can cause serious and even life-changing injuries due to the vulnerability of pedestrians compared to motorists. Some common injuries include:

Head and Brain Injuries

Pedestrians may suffer concussions, traumatic brain injuries (TBI), or skull fractures when they hit the vehicle or ground. These injuries can lead to long-term cognitive impairments, memory loss, or personality changes.

Spinal Cord Injuries

The impact of a collision can cause spinal damage. This can lead to temporary or permanent paralysis, chronic pain, or reduced mobility.

Fractures and Broken Bones

Limbs, ribs, or the pelvis are often fractured upon impact. These may require surgery, extensive rehabilitation, or even cause a permanent disability.

Soft Tissue Injuries

Ligament damage, muscle tears, and bruising are common injuries that may take a prolonged period to heal.

Internal Injuries

Damage to internal organs, internal bleeding, or punctured lungs can be life-threatening and require immediate medical attention.

 

Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents

Pedestrian accidents occur due to various reasons, some of which may be linked to driver negligence. An often cited reason is ‘driver failed to look properly’. Some of the most common causes include:

Speeding

Vehicles travelling at high speeds reduce a driver’s reaction time and increase the severity of pedestrian injuries upon impact.

Distracted Driving

Using mobile phones, adjusting navigation systems, or eating while driving can lead to reduced attention on the road, increasing the risk of hitting a pedestrian.

Failure to Yield at Crossings

Many accidents occur when drivers fail to give way at zebra crossings, pelican crossings, or pedestrian traffic lights.

Driving Under the Influence

Alcohol and drugs impair reaction times, judgment, and coordination, significantly increasing the likelihood of hitting a pedestrian.

Reckless or Aggressive Driving

Drivers who engage in dangerous manoeuvres, fail to obey traffic signals, or drive too closely to pedestrians increase the risk of accidents.

 

How to Proceed with a Claim

If you wish to pursue a personal injury claim, your first priority after the accident would be to seek medical attention, even if your injuries seem minor. Gather your potential evidence and contact a personal injury solicitor for advise as to whether your case is valid.

It is essential to consult with a personal injury lawyer who is experienced in this field. At Jefferies Claims, we will support you and your family through this process with care and understanding. We work with lawyers who will assess all aspects of your case and who operate on a ‘No Win, No Fee’ basis.

Contact Jefferies Claims today at 0333 358 3034. Alternatively,  complete our online contact form to arrange an initial no-obligation telephone consultation with a member of our expert team.