Being hit by a vehicle as a pedestrian can be a frightening and life-changing experience. One moment, you are simply going about your day, and the next, you are forced to confront painful physical injuries and uncertainty about your future. If the injuries you suffered were caused by a reckless driver or rider, you can make a pedestrian accident claim. Whether you were crossing the road, walking through a car park or using a pavement, pedestrian accident claims can help you secure the compensation you need to rebuild your life.
Compensation can cover your pain and suffering, replace lost earnings, fund private orthopaedic treatment, and account for ongoing care costs. In almost all circumstances, you will have 3 years from the date of the collision to start a road traffic accident claim. To build a strong case, you can use hospital medical records, CCTV recordings, and vehicle dashcam footage as evidence.
At Public Interest Lawyers, we have extensive experience handling pedestrian accident claims involving serious injuries, uninsured drivers and disputed liability. Through a No Win No Fee arrangement, our solicitors provide their expert legal support without charging any upfront service fees. We manage the entire legal process on your behalf, including gathering witness statements from bystanders and keeping you updated throughout the claim.
Contact Public Interest Lawyers today for free advice and find out how we can help you start your pedestrian accident compensation claim.
Jump To A Section
- What Are Pedestrian Accident Claims?
- Can I Claim If I Was Injured As A Pedestrian?
- Examples Of Pedestrian Accidents That Might Occur
- Common Injuries Sustained By Pedestrians After An Accident
- What If A Pedestrian Is Killed In A Road Traffic Accident?
- How Much Compensation Can Pedestrians Claim For Their Injuries?
- What Will Be Needed To Pursue A Pedestrian Accident Claim?
- Pedestrian Injury Claims With Public Interest Lawyers
- Learn More
What Are Pedestrian Accident Claims?
Pedestrian accident claims are legal actions brought by individuals injured in collisions with negligent road users. A successful claim can compensate an injured pedestrian for the physical, emotional, and financial impacts of being harmed in an accident, including medical costs, lost income, and rehabilitation expenses.
If you would like clear advice about pedestrian accident claims, contact Public Interest Lawyers today and speak to us about your options.
Can I Claim If I Was Injured As A Pedestrian?
Yes, you can make a claim if you were injured as a pedestrian in a collision caused by a negligent road user who failed to follow safe driving standards. To be eligible to seek compensation, all pedestrian accident claims need to meet the following criteria:
- You Were Owed a Duty of Care: Road users have a legal responsibility to travel safely and avoid causing harm. This duty includes complying with the Road Traffic Act 1988 and the Highway Code, which set out the standards expected of drivers, motorcyclists, cyclists and pedestrians.
- That Duty of Care Was Breached: You must show that the motorist or another road user failed in this responsibility, thereby breaching their duty. A breach may occur if a driver mounts the pavement, speeds through a crossing, fails to check properly at a junction, or drives while distracted.
- You Suffered an Injury: To make a pedestrian accident claim, you must have suffered a medically recognised physical or psychological injury due to the breach. This covers everything from severe fractures to long-lasting anxiety about crossing the street.
Can I Make A Pedestrian Claim On Behalf Of A Child?
Yes, you can make a pedestrian accident claim on behalf of a child if a negligent road user caused them harm. As children under the age of 18 cannot manage their own personal injury claim, you would need to act as a litigation friend. This allows you to make decisions in your child’s best interests while pursuing compensation for them.
Can I Claim On Behalf Of A Loved One With A Lack Of Capacity?
Yes, you can make a pedestrian accident claim on behalf of a loved one with a lack of capacity to seek compensation independently. You would need to step in as a litigation friend, as this role is also used in cases where a limited mental capacity prevents someone from managing legal proceedings by themselves.
To find out more about making pedestrian accident claims for a loved one, contact our solicitors today for clear guidance and compassionate support.
Examples Of Pedestrian Accidents That Might Occur
Pedestrian collisions frequently involve vehicles mounting the pavement, delivery drivers reversing without checking properly, or cyclists and e‑scooter riders failing to give way at zebra crossings. These incidents are often caused by a road user making a dangerous error in an everyday situation, such as:
- Failing to stop at crossings: A driver, cyclist, or e-scooter rider might fail to stop at a zebra crossing or race through an amber light. This could cause a pedestrian to suffer broken bones, head trauma, or serious crush-related injuries.
- Driving while distracted: Someone looking down at a mobile phone, checking a sat-nav, or rushing to make a delivery can easily fail to notice a pedestrian stepping off the kerb. These collisions can result in soft tissue damage, fractures or long-term mobility problems.
- Speeding through residential streets: Motorists exceeding the speed limit in built-up areas or near schools have drastically reduced reaction times. This can lead to serious harm, including spinal cord trauma, internal injuries and extensive lacerations.
If you have been injured in similar circumstances, contact Public Interest Lawyers today to discuss your pedestrian accident claim with us.
Common Injuries Sustained By Pedestrians After An Accident
Pedestrians can sustain various injuries after an accident, ranging from severe concussions to painful friction burns or torn ligaments. Other common injuries covered by pedestrian accident claims include:
- Lower body impacts: Such as fractures, broken bones, and joint damage in the legs, knees, or ankles, particularly where the vehicle makes initial contact
- Mid-body and internal trauma: Including pelvic, hip, and organ damage, often caused by the direct force of being thrown against the vehicle’s frame
- Secondary ground-impact injuries: Like traumatic brain injuries and spinal cord trauma, typically resulting from the final fall onto a hard surface
- Surface and facial wounds: These often involve severe soft-tissue damage, whiplash, cuts, and dental injuries from contact with the ground or flying debris
- Psychological trauma: This can include post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or anxiety around roads or near pedestrian crossings
If you have suffered injuries after being hit by a vehicle, Public Interest Lawyers can help you understand whether you have grounds to seek compensation. Contact us today to discuss your pedestrian accident claim and learn about the support available to you throughout the process.
What If A Pedestrian Is Killed In A Road Traffic Accident?
If a pedestrian is killed in a road traffic accident due to the negligent actions of a motorist or another road user, surviving family members can take legal action to pursue compensation. Under the Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1934, the deceased’s estate is the only party that can claim within the first 6 months after death. This is for the pain and suffering experienced before they passed away in the collision, as well as any financial losses incurred.
The estate can also claim on behalf of certain relatives of the deceased, known as dependants. If the estate does not take action by the end of the 6-month window, spouses, civil partners, and other qualifying dependants can be compensated under the Fatal Accidents Act 1976 for the impact of losing a loved one.
If you would like to learn more about the process and what compensation may be available, you can read our dedicated fatal accident claims guide.
We understand how overwhelming this situation can feel. If you need compassionate guidance about making pedestrian accident claims after losing a loved one, our team is here to listen and support you when you feel ready.
How Much Compensation Can Pedestrians Claim For Their Injuries?
If a case is successful, how much compensation pedestrians can claim for their injuries will reflect the severity of the physical or psychological trauma, the long-term changes in mobility, and their out-of-pocket financial losses.
Compensation can be split into 2 parts:
- General damages compensate you for your pain, suffering and loss of amenity. This term refers to the impact your injuries have on your quality of life, including your ability to enjoy hobbies, socialise or carry out everyday activities independently.
- Special damages cover financial losses such as lost earnings, rehabilitation costs and travel expenses.
When valuing general damages, solicitors and courts often refer to the Judicial College Guidelines (JCG). This publication provides compensation guideline brackets for different types of injuries based on previous court decisions. We have used some of their figures in the table below that may be applicable to pedestrian accident claims. Please note that the top entry has not come from the JCG, and the table is for guidance only.
| Type of Injury | Notes | Compensation Guidelines |
|---|---|---|
| Multiple Severe Injuries With Special Damages | Compensation for suffering multiple severe injuries and financial losses such as private orthopaedic treatments, lost earnings and care costs. | Up to £1,000,000+ |
| Paralysis | Tetraplegia/Quadriplegia - the higher end of the bracket is applicable in cases where physical pain is present. | £428,850 to £533,720 |
| Brain Damage | Very Severe - Need for full-time nursing care with the person showing little meaningful response to the environment. | £372,570 to £533,720 |
| Back Injuries | Severe (i) - involving severe damage to the nerve roots and spinal cord. | £120,340 to £212,670 |
| Severe Leg Injuries | The Most Serious Short of Amputation (i) - such as the degloving or gross shortening of the leg. | £127,160 to £179,560 |
| Arm Injuries | Severe - injuries which fall short of amputation but leave the person little better off. | £127,050 to £172,970 |
| Pelvic And Hip Injuries | Severe (i) - extensive fractures of the pelvis involving the dislocation of the lower back joint. | £103,580 to £172,970 |
| Neck Injuries | Severe (ii) - Involving damage or fractures in the cervical spine. | £86,860 to £172,970 |
| PTSD | Severe - Permanent impact on daily life and relationships. | £79,080 to £133,000 |
Special Damages In Pedestrian Accident Claims
In pedestrian accident claims, special damages can compensate claimants for the wider financial impact of their injuries. This covers both past and future out-of-pocket losses, such as:
- Loss of earnings if the collision has left you unable to walk or travel to work
- Physiotherapy, orthopaedic assessments, and rehabilitation sessions to regain your mobility following serious leg, hip, or spinal injuries
- Accumulated taxi fares, fuel, and hospital parking fees built up while attending clinic appointments when your injuries prevent you from driving
- Pain management medications and physical supports like crutches, knee braces, or walking frames
- Care provided by family members or professionals if the injuries you sustained as a pedestrian leave you physically incapacitated
- Replacement of smartphones, prescription glasses, clothing, or bags that were crushed or damaged in the collision
All of these costs must be supported with evidence, such as payslips or bank statements showing loss of income, and receipts and invoices for treatment or travel expenses.
If a pedestrian accident has left you out of pocket, contact our team today to discuss what special damages you may be able to claim alongside compensation for your injuries.
What Will Be Needed To Pursue A Pedestrian Accident Claim?
To pursue a pedestrian accident claim, you need evidence that shows how the accident happened, documents your injuries, and outlines the financial or emotional impact on your life. You must also be mindful of the legal time limit, which we explain below.
What Evidence Will I Need To Claim For Pedestrian Injuries?
The evidence you will need to claim for pedestrian injuries can include CCTV or dashcam footage showing the collision and medical records confirming the trauma you have suffered. You can also photograph the pedestrian crossing, traffic lights, pavement, or surrounding road layout to clearly establish the scene. In addition, you will need the driver’s contact details, vehicle registration and insurance information.
For a broader look at building a case, read our guide on the evidence needed for a personal injury claim.
Pedestrian Accident Claims Time Limit
Pedestrian accident claims are usually subject to a 3-year time limit under the Limitation Act 1980. In most cases, this period begins from the date of the accident. However, there will be exceptions to the time limit. You can learn about these in our dedicated guide on the limitation period.
If you are unsure what evidence you need or whether you are still within the time limit for your pedestrian accident claim, contact our team today for clear advice and practical support.
Pedestrian Injury Claims With Public Interest Lawyers
Public Interest Lawyers can help you seek compensation, recover financial losses and access legal support throughout the pedestrian injury claims process. We understand the severe, life‑altering consequences a pedestrian collision can have on your health, long‑term mobility, and financial independence. Our team guides you through every stage of the claims process, working to secure the compensation you deserve.
Why Choose Public Interest Lawyers To Claim For Pedestrian Injury Compensation?
You should choose Public Interest Lawyers to claim for pedestrian injury compensation because our compassionate team steps in to do the legal work while you focus on recovering from the collision. We recognise that every pedestrian accident claim is different, and provide tailored practical support and guidance to protect your financial recovery and rebuild your mobility by:
- Obtaining CCTV recordings, dashcam footage, and bystander testimonies to strengthen your pedestrian injury claim
- Managing all correspondence so you never have to speak with the motorist’s legal representatives yourself
- Arranging independent medical assessments with clinical specialists to document the full extent of your orthopaedic or other impact‑related injuries
- Recovering lost earnings and ongoing rehabilitation costs linked to fractures, head trauma, or any other injuries you sustained as a pedestrian
- Navigating the complexities of pursuing compensation through the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB) if you were hit by an uninsured or hit-and-run driver
No Win No Fee Pedestrian Injury Claims With Public Interest Lawyers
No Win No Fee pedestrian injury claims can be made with us here at Public Interest Lawyers under the terms of a Conditional Fee Agreement (CFA). This is a type of No Win No Fee arrangement between you and your solicitor that ensures you do not pay any service fees throughout your pedestrian accident claim, including:
- At the beginning of your claim
- As the claim is in progress
- If you are not awarded pedestrian injury compensation
A legally capped percentage will be deducted from your compensation as your solicitor’s success fee if they succeed with your claim.
Contact Our Solicitors
We know that starting a claim can feel daunting, especially while recovering from injuries or dealing with financial pressure. Our team is here to listen, answer your questions and guide you through the process with straightforward advice and compassionate support. Contact Public Interest Lawyers today to learn how we could help you begin your pedestrian accident claim with confidence:
- Call us on 0800 073 8803
- Contact us online
- Use our live chat
Learn More
Learn more about the other types of road traffic accident claims we could help with:
- Advice on bicycle accident claims.
- Further guidance on claiming if your child was hit by a car.
- Learn about passenger injury claims.
Some useful external resources:
- Pedestrian safety policy paper from the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents.
- Reported pedestrian casualties in Great Britain 2024 from the Department for Transport.
- Rules for pedestrians from the Highway Code.
Thank you for reading this guide on pedestrian accident claims.