Pedestrian Accident Claims

Being hit by a vehicle is one of the most traumatic experiences a person can go through. Pedestrians have no protection at the point of impact, and the injuries sustained are often serious, complex and life-changing. If you’ve been struck by a car, van, motorcycle or other vehicle through someone else’s negligence, you have the right to claim compensation.

At Ashtons Legal, our pedestrian accident solicitors handle serious, complex and high-value pedestrian injury claims across the UK. We’re recognised by Chambers UK and The Legal 500, and we hold accreditations from APIL (the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers) and the Brain Injury Group. We’re members of the Spinal Injuries Association and MASS (the Motor Accident Solicitors Society), and we’re signatories to both the Serious Injury Guide and the Rehabilitation Code.

You can find out more about our wider personal injury services and road traffic accident claims.

Contact our pedestrian accident solicitors

If you or someone close to you has been injured in a pedestrian accident, our specialist team is ready to help. You can get in touch in Bury St Edmunds, Cambridge, Ipswich, Norwich or Leeds. We also offer virtual consultations if you’re unable to visit in person.

Common causes of pedestrian accidents

Most pedestrian accidents are caused by driver negligence. Common causes include:

• Speeding or driving too fast for road conditions
• Distracted driving, including using a mobile phone at the wheel
• Failure to give way at pedestrian crossings or zebra crossings
• Drink or drug driving
• Failing to give way when turning at junctions
• Poor visibility due to weather, lighting or obscured sightlines
• Driver fatigue

In some cases, road design or poor maintenance may also be a contributing factor. Our solicitors will investigate all possible causes to build the strongest possible case on your behalf.

Types of injuries we handle in pedestrian claims

Our pedestrian accident solicitors handle the full range of injuries sustained in pedestrian collisions, including:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI), from mild concussion to severe and permanent cognitive impairment
• Spinal cord injuries, including complete and incomplete injuries
• Serious orthopaedic injuries, including complex fractures and joint damage
• Soft tissue injuries and chronic pain
• Serious facial and dental injuries
• Psychological injuries, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety and depression
• Fatal injuries, where claims are brought on behalf of bereaved families

Where your injuries involve brain damage or spinal trauma, our solicitors work closely with leading consultants and independent medical experts to build a thorough, well-evidenced case.

Pedestrian accident claims process

As signatories to the Rehabilitation Code, we treat access to early rehabilitation as central to every pedestrian injury claim we handle. Securing the right treatment for you is built into how we work from the very start, not bolted on at the end.

Initial consultation

We’ll assess your case, talk through the circumstances of the accident and advise on the funding options available, including no win no fee. We’ll explain what to expect at each stage of the process clearly and honestly. There’s no obligation to proceed after an initial conversation, and we’ll be straightforward about the strengths of your case from the outset.

Investigation

We’ll gather the evidence needed to establish liability and build a robust case on your behalf. This includes instructing independent medical experts to assess your injuries and long-term prognosis, as well as obtaining supporting documentation such as police reports, witness statements and CCTV footage. A thorough evidential foundation is essential to achieving the best possible outcome for you.

Interim payments

We’ll apply for interim payments at the earliest opportunity. These are advance payments made before the claim concludes, and they can fund rehabilitation, specialist equipment, care support or home adaptations, as well as help with the cost of living while the legal process continues. Getting financial support to you quickly is a priority, not an afterthought.

Negotiation

The majority of pedestrian accident claims are resolved through negotiation or mediation, without the need for court proceedings. We’ll put your case strongly to the defendant’s insurers and pursue a settlement that fully reflects the impact of your injuries, both now and in the future. Where the evidence is strong and responsibility is clear, we aim to reach a fair settlement efficiently.

Court proceedings

If liability is disputed or a fair settlement cannot be agreed, we’ll issue court proceedings and represent you throughout. Every case we handle is prepared thoroughly from the outset, and we manage all stages of litigation, including High Court proceedings where the value and complexity of the claim require it. If a hearing becomes necessary, we’ll represent you with skill and determination.

Case studies

Our pedestrian accident solicitors have secured significant compensation for clients in complex, high-value cases. Results include:

• £2.7 million settlement for a Suffolk pedestrian who suffered severe head injuries after being struck by a car
• Multi-million pound settlement for a pedestrian who lost a limb and his sight after being struck by a motorbike
• £850,000 settlement for a pedestrian who suffered multiple serious injuries and required ongoing care
• £250,000 for a Norfolk pedestrian hit by a drink driver, securing more than 16 times the insurer’s opening offer
• £200,000 settlement for a pedestrian who suffered a traumatic brain injury after being struck at speed
• £70,000 for a Suffolk pedestrian who suffered a brain injury after being hit by a van on an unlit country lane

Time limits for pedestrian accident claims

In most cases, you have three years from the date of the accident to bring a pedestrian injury claim. If you only became aware that your injuries were caused by negligence at a later date, the three-year period may run from that point instead.

Different rules apply in some circumstances:

• For children, the three-year period starts on their 18th birthday, so claims can be brought up until their 21st birthday
• For those who lack mental capacity, time does not run while that incapacity continues

Other time limits may apply, depending on the circumstances and they are usually shorter.

Taking early legal advice preserves evidence and gives your claim the strongest possible foundation and helps to avoid issues with time limits. Don’t delay in getting in touch.

No win no fee pedestrian accident claims

Many of our pedestrian accident claims are funded through no win no fee agreements, formally known as Conditional Fee Agreements (CFAs). Under a CFA, you’ll pay no legal fees if your claim doesn’t succeed. If it does, a capped success fee applies, meaning the substantial majority of your compensation is yours to keep. We’ll set out all funding options clearly before you make any commitment, so you can proceed with confidence.

Why choose Ashtons Legal for your pedestrian claim?

We offer holistic support that goes well beyond litigation. Our in-house Court of Protection team can assist with deputyship applications and managing compensation awards, while our in-house rehabilitation and welfare advisors help you access the treatment and support you need throughout the process.

You’ll also benefit from the wider expertise of our firm across Wills and trusts, employment and family law, ensuring the full impact of a serious pedestrian injury is properly addressed.

To discuss your situation with one of our specialist pedestrian accident solicitors, get in touch today.

Frequently asked questions

Why do pedestrian accidents often cause serious injuries?

Pedestrians are among the most vulnerable road users because there is no physical barrier between them and an oncoming vehicle. Even at relatively low speeds, the full force of the impact transfers directly to the body.

How much compensation can you claim for a pedestrian accident?

The value of your claim depends on the severity of your injuries and the wider impact on your life. Compensation covers general damages (pain, suffering and loss of amenity) and special damages (financial losses including lost earnings, care costs, rehabilitation, medical treatment and home adaptations). In serious cases, total compensation can reach six or seven figures.

What should I do after being hit by a car?

Seek medical attention immediately, even if injuries seem minor, then report the accident to the police. You should also:

• Note the vehicle’s registration number, make and model
• Gather witness names and contact details
• Photograph the scene, your injuries, and any road markings or signage
• Obtain CCTV or dashcam footage if available
• Keep a record of all expenses and losses arising from the accident
• Contact a specialist pedestrian accident solicitor before speaking to the driver’s insurer

Insurance companies may contact you directly after the accident. We strongly advise you not to accept any early offer or make statements without first taking legal advice.

Can I claim compensation if I was partly at fault for the accident?

Yes. Partial fault doesn’t prevent you from making a pedestrian injury claim. Under English law, a principle called contributory negligence allows courts to reduce the compensation you receive to reflect your share of responsibility, but you can still recover a proportion of your losses. For example, we secured a £2.7 million settlement for a client where 40% contributory negligence was found, with 60% of the full value still recovered.

How long does a pedestrian accident claim take?

The timeframe depends on the complexity of your injuries and whether liability is disputed. Straightforward claims may resolve within 12 to 18 months. Serious and complex cases, particularly those involving brain or spinal injuries, can take two to four years or longer. In serious cases, we’ll seek interim payments to provide financial support while the claim is ongoing.

What evidence do I need to support my pedestrian accident claim?

Key evidence in a pedestrian accident claim includes:

• Medical records and independent specialist reports
• A police accident report
• CCTV or dashcam footage
• Witness statements
• Photographs of the scene and your injuries
• Records of financial losses, including payslips and receipts

Your solicitor will advise you on what evidence is needed and help gather it on your behalf.

Can I claim if I was hit by a car as a child?

Yes. If you were under 18 at the time of the accident, a parent or guardian can bring a claim on your behalf straight away. If no claim was brought at the time, you can make your own claim from your 18th birthday up until your 21st birthday. Early legal advice is still recommended to preserve evidence.

What if the driver who hit me didn’t stop?

You can still claim compensation even if the driver fled the scene or cannot be traced. The Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB) is a body funded by UK insurers that compensates victims of uninsured and untraced drivers. You don’t need to identify the driver to make a claim.

Will I have to go to court?

Most pedestrian accident claims settle without the need for court proceedings. However, if liability is disputed or a fair settlement can’t be agreed, it may be necessary to issue proceedings.

Contact our pedestrian accident solicitors

If you or a family member has been injured in a pedestrian accident and would like to understand your legal options, our specialist team is here to help. You can get in touch in Bury St Edmunds, Cambridge, Ipswich, Norwich or Leeds.

Call us on 0330 191 7829, email enquiries@ashtonslegal.co.uk, or complete our online enquiry form. We also offer virtual consultations if you’re unable to visit in person.