Pedestrian accident claims help protect your rights if you’ve been injured by a car, van, or other vehicle while walking.
Being hit can leave you feeling unsure of what to do next.
These types of claims exist to make sure you get the support and compensation you deserve when a driver’s carelessness causes you harm.
It’s important to know what steps to take straight away.
This can affect how strong your claim is and how quickly you can recover.
We handle pedestrian accident claims and we understand how these events can affect your life.
We want to make the process clearer for you and support you from the start to the end of your case.
Pedestrian accident claims often depend on what you do in the first few hours after the incident.
Taking the right steps can protect your health and improve your chances of getting fair compensation.
Here’s what you should do:
Taking these steps will help protect your rights and give your claim a stronger foundation.
The length of pedestrian accident claims depends on a few important factors. Some cases settle quickly.
Others take longer if more details need to be sorted out.
Complex cases take more time because they usually involve more questions about what really happened.
If there is any disagreement about who caused the accident, your solicitor will need to collect extra evidence.
This can include CCTV footage, witness statements or expert reports.
These take time to gather and review. If your injuries are serious, the process also slows down because doctors need to wait and see how your condition develops.
The government’s Ministry of Justice shows that more serious injury claims take longer to settle because future care and long-term recovery must be considered.
You should not rush this part. Settling too early could mean missing out on compensation for ongoing pain or future treatment.
A proper assessment gives you a stronger and more accurate claim.
Soft tissue injuries are very common. These include bruises, sprains, and muscle strains.
They may not sound serious, but they can be painful and take weeks to heal. You may need time off work or help at home while recovering.
Fractures are also frequent. Many pedestrians suffer broken legs, arms, wrists or ribs. These injuries often happen when someone is knocked to the ground or hit at speed.
A broken bone usually needs a cast, sometimes surgery, and follow-up appointments. Some breaks never fully return to normal.
Head injuries are a serious concern. Even if you do not hit your head hard, a minor bump can lead to a concussion.
A more forceful impact can cause traumatic brain injury. These injuries can affect memory, speech, balance and mood.
According to UK Government road safety data, pedestrians are one of the groups most at risk for head trauma in collisions.
Spinal injuries may happen in more serious collisions. Damage to the back or neck can lead to long-term pain or reduced movement.
In rare cases, it may cause partial or full paralysis. Recovery from spinal trauma is slow and sometimes incomplete.
Psychological trauma is often overlooked but just as real. After an accident, many people report feelings of fear, panic or sadness.
Some experience anxiety when crossing roads or walking in public.
Others are diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder.
These mental effects can be part of your claim and should not be ignored.
Medical reports are required. You will need to attend one or more appointments with an independent medical expert.
They will examine your injuries and write a report. This report is needed before your solicitor can value your claim properly.
Negotiations can delay the process. Once your solicitor sends your claim to the driver’s insurer, they may not agree right away.
The insurer might argue about the amount or ask for more information. This back-and-forth can take several months.
More complex claims can take a year or longer. If your injuries are ongoing or if the insurer refuses to accept responsibility, your solicitor may need to prepare for court.
Your solicitor’s speed matters too. We follow up with medical experts, deal with insurers, and keep you informed at every stage.
We do everything we can to avoid delays while making sure your claim is handled properly.
The duration of a pedestrian accident claim varies based on several factors. Some cases settle quickly.
Others take more time depending on your situation.
Complexity of the case
If the injuries are serious or if there is disagreement about who was at fault, the claim may take longer. Simple cases usually move faster.
Medical assessments
You need medical reports to show how badly you were hurt. These reports take time and may need follow-up appointments.
Negotiations
Your solicitor will speak to the other party’s insurer to try and agree on a fair amount. This back-and-forth can take weeks or even months.
You usually have three years from the date of the pedestrian accident to begin your claim. This is known as the limitation period and is part of the Limitation Act 1980.
It means that you must start legal proceedings within three years or risk losing your right to compensation.
This time limit applies to personal injury claims, including those involving pedestrians who have been injured by a vehicle.
If the person injured was under 18 at the time of the accident, the three-year limit does not start right away. Instead, it begins on their 18th birthday.
This means they have until they turn 21 to make a claim on their own. Until then, a parent or guardian can make a claim on their behalf.
This exception is in place to make sure children are not disadvantaged just because of their age.
There is also an exception for people who lack mental capacity. If someone is unable to make decisions about legal matters due to a brain injury, learning disability or mental health condition, the three-year limit does not apply.
The clock only starts if they recover enough to understand and manage their own legal affairs.
This is in line with the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and is designed to protect vulnerable individuals.
It is still best to start your claim as soon as possible. The longer you wait, the harder it can be to gather strong evidence. Witnesses may forget details, CCTV footage may be lost, and medical records may take time to retrieve.
The UK Government’s official advise on personal injury claims also highlights the importance of acting quickly to give your case the best possible chance.
Pedestrian accident claims help you get compensation if you were hit by a vehicle while walking. The process can take time, but it is there to support you.
It is important to act early. Keep records, speak to the police, and get medical help. These steps make your claim stronger.
The time limit to start a claim is usually three years. Some cases have exceptions, but it is best not to wait.
Each claim is different. Some are simple and settle quickly. Others take longer if injuries are serious or if there is a dispute.
We handle pedestrian accident claims from start to finish. We explain things clearly and keep you informed. You will not need to guess what happens next.
If you think you may have a claim, get in touch with us. We can look at your case and give you advice.
It is always better to ask than to leave it too late.
Scottish Provident Building,
7 Donegall Square West,
Belfast, BT1 6JH
TEL: 02890 912 938
Bishop Street Chambers,
26-28 Bishop Street,
Derry, BT48 6PR
TEL: 02871 362 299
Kearney Law Group specialises in legal services relating to Personal Injury and Clinical Negligence. We are committed to achieving the best results for our clients.
Contact us today to arrange your FREE initial consultation relating to any of the above matters.
Email: [email protected]
Opening Hours:
Monday to Thursday 8am – 8pm,
Friday 9am – 5pm