A pedestrian accident refers to a road traffic collision involving a person on foot and a vehicle.

In order to be successful, a pedestrian accident compensation claim must prove the pedestrian’s injury was caused by someone else’s fault.

To help your case, you should take names, addresses and telephone numbers or any witnesses to the accident immediately and report the incident. If you are intending to claim expenses such as prescription costs and travelling expenses, remember to keep the receipts as evidence.

Over the years, Thompsons Solicitors’ road accident lawyers have successfully secured compensation for thousands of pedestrian accident claims – and we can help you too.

Call 0800 0 224 224 to speak to our experts about starting a pedestrian accident claim, or complete our online claim form.

Causes of road traffic accidents involving pedestrians vary but are often linked to distracted or reckless driving.

Examples of the many people Thompsons Solicitors has secured compensation for following a pedestrian accident include a man who was knocked over by an uninsured driver while walking his dog on the pavement and a woman who suffered broken bones when she was hit by a car on a pedestrian crossing. Click here to read more of our clients’ stories.

If you were injured as a pedestrian in a road traffic accident, then contact our lawyers for free advice on whether you are eligible to make a pedestrian accident claim for your injury.

Road traffic accidents involving pedestrians can happen at any time but are more common at night and during the winter when the weather tends to be worse and the nights are longer. Fridays have also been found to be particularly dangerous days for road users in general.

There are accidents, say if a child runs out in front of a car without warning, or when someone steps out to cross the road while using their mobile phone, when working out who to blame is not straightforward.

But, it is very unusual in legal terms for a car driver not to be at fault. Thompsons Solicitors’ road traffic collision lawyers have secured significant damages on behalf of hundreds of injured pedestrians. In cases where who was at fault is not immediately clear, we will help you determine whether you have a case. We will always be honest about the likely outcome of your case.

There are ways to fund a pedestrian accident claim with no financial risk to you.

It is important to us that your financial situation does not dictate your capacity to seek redress for injuries sustained in an accident. We’re more than happy to talk you through these options including one of the most common payment options – a conditional fee agreement, often known as ‘no win, no fee’. You can learn more about these options on our fees and payment page.

If you are a trade union member, you are entitled to free advice and legal representation from Thompsons Solicitors as part of your union membership.

You will keep 100 per cent of the compensation we secure for you, and your family will also have access to free support from Thompsons Solicitors in road traffic accident claims too. Visit your union legal services hub for more information or visit our trade union hub.

The more information you are able to provide when making a pedestrian accident or a pedestrian hit and run claim, the better.

It’s helpful, but not essential if you have evidence to support your road traffic accident claim such as photographs of the accident scene and location, and the names and contact details of any witnesses.

Receipts for outgoings you have had following the incident will be helpful to calculate the value of your pedestrian accident claim.

If the driver of the vehicle that injured you left the scene without giving their details or was uninsured, you may still be able to make a claim.

Contact our road traffic accident solicitors as soon as possible for advice.

Yes. UK law states that you have up to three years from the date of a personal injury occurring to start a compensation claim.

Our recommendation is to always make a claim as soon as possible, while the details are still fresh in your mind. The earlier you claim; the more time your lawyer has to properly prepare your case.

There are ways pedestrians can help minimize the risk of being injured in a road traffic accident by:

• Following the Green Cross Code;
• Wearing light-coloured or reflective clothing (particularly at night or in winter when visibility can be poor);
• Avoiding mobile phone use when on or near busy roads;
• Maintain focus – not wearing headphones to help ensure you can hear danger approaching;
• Keeping a tight hold on pets and children.