Pedestrian Accident Claims – Compensation For Being Hit By A Car

By Jo Anderson. Last Updated 30th Novmeber 2023. 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.

Select a section

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

Eligibility Requirements For Pedestrian 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.

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.

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 Claims

If you suffered injuries as a pedestrian hit by a car, you might be eligible for compensation. If you would like to claim, you could have the legal representation of a No Win No Fee lawyer. They might provide their services under a Conditional Fee Agreement (CFA), which is a type of No Win No Fee arrangement.

A No Win No Fee lawyer typically will not take a payment upfront for their services. They generally don’t ask for payment towards any ongoing fees either. Should your No Win No Fee lawyer help you win your claim, they will take a success fee out of your award. The success fee is capped by the CFA. If your No Win No Fee lawyer doesn’t succeed, they usually will not ask for payment to cover their services.

Our advisors can discuss compensation eligibility for someone getting hit by a car. They’re available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to talk about pedestrian accident claims. In addition to free advice and a claim valuation, they can check your eligibility. If they think you have a valid claim, they could put you in touch with one of our solicitors. Our solicitors will typically represent you on a No Win No Fee basis.

To speak to an advisor:

• Use our live webchat at the bottom of the screen.
• Start your claim online by filling in our form for a call back.
• Call 0800 073 8801.

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.