Pedestrian Accident Claims – Compensation For Being Hit By A Car

By Jo Anderson. Last Updated 8th January 2024. 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.

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.

a young woman on the phone walking in front of a car

Advice for making a pedestrian accident claim

Select a section

  1. Eligibility Requirements For Pedestrian Accident Injury Claims
  2. What Is The Time Limit For Pedestrian Accident Claims?
  3. What Are The Causes Of A Pedestrian Accident?
  4. Evidence To Support A Pedestrian Injury Claim
  5. How Much Compensation For Being Hit By A Car In The UK?
  6. No Win No Fee Pedestrian Accident Injury Claims
  7. Useful Links Relating To A Pedestrian Hit By A Car Claim

Eligibility Requirements For Pedestrian Accident Injury Claims

Every road user, including motorists and pedestrians, owe each other a duty of care to use the roads safely and responsibly to avoid causing harm to each other. They must also adhere to the rules and regulations found within the Road Traffic Act 1988 and the Highway Code as part of their duty of care.

If you were a pedestrian who was hit by a car, to be able to make a pedestrian accident claim, you will need to meet the following criteria:

  • Someone owed a duty of care towards you.
  • This duty was breached.
  • You were injured due to this breach.

To see whether you could be eligible to make a pedestrian injury compensation claim, you can contact our advisors.

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.

What Are The Causes Of A Pedestrian Accident?

There are many different types of accidents that could lead to a pedestrian accident claim. Some examples of how a pedestrian could be hit by a car include:

  • Distracted driving – If someone is using a mobile phone, for example, and fails to spot a pedestrian crossing, they may not leave enough time to stop.
  • Driving under the influence– Drugs and alcohol can impair concentration which is why there are legal limits in place for the amount of alcohol or medication that can be consumed before somebody is unfit to drive. If a pedestrian is hit by a drunk driver, this could lead to a claim.
  • Speeding –  It could be possible for speeding to cause a pedestrian injury. If a driver is operating their vehicle too quickly, they may not have sufficient stopping distance to avoid a collision safely.
  • Failure to signal when turning – If a pedestrian is unaware that a vehicle is going to turn into their pathway because the driver does not indicate, they may attempt to cross the road. If the driver does not signal and causes an accident, this could lead to a pedestrian injury claim.

These are just a few examples. If you would like to check the eligibility of your specific case, you can contact a member of our advisory team today.

Evidence To Support A Pedestrian Injury Claim

If you are eligible to make a pedestrian accident claim, you will need evidence to support your case. Examples of evidence that could be useful include:

  • CCTV footage or photographs of the incident – This could provide insight into what caused the accident and whose fault it was.
  • Witness details – If, for example,  you were a pedestrian hit by a car, and someone witnessed this, they could provide a statement to support your claim at a later date.
  • Medical evidence – Providing you have sought medical help for your injuries, there should be a record of this in your medical notes.
  • Financial documents –  If your injuries have caused you to suffer financial losses or expenses, it would be wise to keep hold of any financial documentation that proves these costs.

Contact our advisors today to see if you could work with one of our solicitors. They could help you with gathering evidence to support your pedestrian injury compensation claim.

How Much Compensation For Being Hit By A Car In The UK?

If your pedestrian injury compensation claim is successful, it could result in a payout that includes general and special damages.

General damages is the head of claim that would compensate you for the pain and suffering caused by your injuries. Those calculating such damages could look to the Judicial College Guidelines for reference. This is a publication that provides guideline payout brackets for a range of injuries at different severities. We have used some figures from the 2022 edition of the JCG in the table below.

However, this should only be used as guidance. Please note, the first entry has not been taken from the JCG.

Edit
Injury Type Compensation Notes
Multiple serious injuries combined with financial expenses and losses. Up to £1,000,000+ A combination of serious injuries that cause serious pain and suffering, and include financial expenses such as medical costs as well as short and long-term loss of income, for example.
Amputation of Arms (b) (ii) £109,650 to £130,930 One arm is amputated above the shoulder.
Serious Leg Injuries (b) (iii) £39,200 to £54,830 Comminuted or compound fractures, or injuries to the ligaments and joints that cause instability.
Less Severe Brain Damage (d) £15,320 to £43,060 Level of recovery allowing for a return to normal life and work.
Elbow Injuries (b) £15,650 to £32,010 The elbow’s function is impaired but it does not cause a serious disability or require major surgery.
Moderate Neck Injuries (b) (ii) £13,740 to £24,990 Soft tissue and wrenching injuries, or disc lesions leading to cervical spondylosis.
Moderate PTSD (c) £8,180 to £23,150 Few remaining effects and a large recovery.
Moderate Psychiatric Damage (c) £5,860 to £19,070 Condition improved by trial with a better prognosis.
Minor Back Injuries (c) (i) £7,890 to £12,510 A full recovery between two and five years without surgery.
Fractured Clavicle (e) £5,150 to £12,240 Fracture of the clavicle.

Special damages compensates you for financial costs and losses you have sustained because of your injuries. Examples of special damages that could be awarded in a successful pedestrian accident claim could include:

  • Travel expenses – If you have had to pay for trips to medical appointments because of your injuries or to meet with your lawyer.
  • Care costs – If you have needed to pay for care at home because of your injuries.
  • Loss of income – If you have been off work recovering from your injuries and have lost out on pay as a result.
  • Medical expenses – These could include costs such as prescription fees, or mobility aids, for example.

You will need to provide evidence that these costs were reasonably incurred due to your injuries. To learn more about compensation for a pedestrian hit by a car claim, or to get a personalised estimate of your payout, please contact an advisor.

No Win No Fee Pedestrian Accident Injury Claims

If you have been hit by a car as a pedestrian and you are eligible to make a personal injury claim, one of our No Win No Fee solicitors may be able to help you with your case. Our solicitors have lots of experience handling various types of personal injury claims and could help you through the claiming process by assisting you with gathering evidence and negotiating a settlement on your behalf.

Additionally, they may offer to support your pedestrian injury claim on a No Win No Fee basis under a Conditional Fee Agreement. With this type of arrangement in place, you generally won’t be expected to pay your solicitor anything upfront for them to begin working on your case. Furthermore, you won’t have to pay them for their work while your claim is ongoing or if it ends unsuccessfully.

Should they succeed with your pedestrian accident claim, they will be due a success fee. This will be taken directly from your compensation as a small percentage that is subjected to a legal cap.

To check your eligibility to work with one of our No Win No Fee solicitors, you can contact a member of our advisory team. They can also offer you free advice for your particular case and answer any questions you may have about the personal injury claiming process.

You can reach our advisors by:

Useful Links Relating To A Pedestrian Hit By A Car Claim

We hope that you have found this guide helpful on your quest to find out more information regarding pedestrian crossing claims. If you are seeking further information, you may also find the following links useful:

  • Requesting pedestrian crossings: If you would like to request a pedestrian crossing in your area, you can use this link to do so. You simply need to enter your postcode and then follow the instructions on the screen.
  • Highway Code: The Highway Code, which features rules for pedestrians, including advice on situations that require extra care, as well as information on using crossings and crossing the road.
  • How Much Compensation Can I Claim for Whiplash?: Did you suffer whiplash as a result of a road traffic accident? Read our guide.
  • A Guide to Car Accident Claims: Would you like more in-depth information about claiming? Take a look at our car accident claims guide. 
  • Cycling Accident Claims and Advice: Cyclists are some of the more vulnerable road users. If you had an accident, read our guide to see if you could claim.

Thank you for reading our guide to pedestrian crossing claims and pedestrian accident compensation. Now, hopefully, you’ll have a rough idea of how much compensation for being hit by a car in the UK you could receive.