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Pedestrian accident compensation claims

If you or a family member have been injured as a pedestrian hit by a car, you can claim compensation if the other person was at fault. Speak to our specialist pedestrian accident solicitors today.

Last updated on November 7th, 2023

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Key points for making an injury claim

The most important things to remember when claiming compensation as a pedestrian after being hit by a car

  • You can claim compensation if you were a pedestrian injured after being hit by a car and the driver was either partly or entirely at fault.
  • You must be able to prove that your injuries were caused by someone else’s negligence.
  • In most cases, you have up to three years from the date of the accident to claim for injuries caused by the accident.
  • The amount of compensation you can claim for your injuries will depend on the severity of your injuries and the impact they may have on your life and your loved ones.

When can I make a pedestrian accident claim?

You can claim compensation if you were a pedestrian injured after being hit by a car and the driver was either partly or entirely at fault.

To claim compensation, you must be able to prove that your injuries were caused by someone else’s negligence. You have three years from the date of the accident to start your claim.

In many cases, the fault for the accident is not always caused by one side, so you may be able to claim even if you were partly to blame.

Some of the most common pedestrian accident claims are caused by drivers going too fast, driving recklessly or not paying attention to the road. Speak to our no win no fee solicitors today about your accident.

What is a pedestrian accident?

In its simplest form, a pedestrian accident is a collision between a vehicle and a person standing or walking.

However, the causes of pedestrian accidents are not always simple to prove, and in many cases, both parties may be to blame. As such, you may be able to claim compensation even if you think the injuries you suffered were partly your fault.

Over the last two decades, we’ve represented thousands of road traffic accident clients. In our experience, for pedestrians hit by a car, it is common to find fault with the driver of the vehicle if they have been:

  • Driving too fast
  • Driving without paying attention to the road
  • Driving while on their mobile phones
  • Driving while being distracted in their vehicles

Equally, many pedestrian accident claims are caused by pedestrians failing to look properly, crossing the road from behind a stationary parked vehicle, and wearing dark clothes at night.

However, in the UK, all drivers have a legal duty of care and must abide by the Highway Code to ensure the safety of all drivers and pedestrians. A driver’s responsibility includes:

  • Driving with due care and attention, including taking into account weather and road conditions
  • Being aware of other road users, including pedestrians, cyclists and other motor vehicles
  • Ensuring their car is roadworthy
  • Obeying all traffic laws and regulations

As such, whenever a pedestrian accident occurs, it is very rare not to find a driver at fault. Contact us today, and our specialist road accident solicitors will be able to let you know your legal rights if you’re unsure if you can make a claim.

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Is there a time limit for making a pedestrian accident claim?

You have up to three years from the date of the accident to claim for injuries caused by a pedestrian accident.

If the pedestrian injured was a child, you can claim on their behalf up until their 21st birthday.

Additionally, the length of time you can claim can be extended in some cases if the injured person lacks mental capacity, whether caused by the accident or not.

However, we recommend starting your claim as soon as possible, as this can help our solicitors better prepare your case. Not only will the details of your accident be fresh in your mind, but access to vital evidence to support your claim is more readily available.

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How much compensation can I claim for a pedestrian accident?

The amount of compensation you can claim for injuries caused by a pedestrian accident will depend on the severity of your injuries and the impact they may have on your life and your loved ones.

Pedestrian accident injury compensation claims calculator

Our pedestrian accident injury claims calculator below provides a guide to the approximate amount of compensation you may be able to claim. The calculator considers the part of your body you have injured and the severity of your injuries and provides an approximate compensation payout based on recent case law and the Judicial College Guidelines.

These amounts only consider the compensation you could claim for your injuries, known as General Damages. In addition, to this amount, you can also claim for Special damages.

Compensation for Special damages can be claimed to cover expenses you may have already incurred or will incur because of your injury. Compensation could be claimed for expenses that may include, but would not be limited to;

  • Any loss of income or pension
  • Any medical costs associated with your rehabilitation or ongoing rehabilitation treatment
  • Any costs for the care you may have or will need to receive, even if a family member or friend provides this
  • Any out-of-pocket expenses you or anyone who has cared for you may have incurred

Alternatively, see our table of pedestrian accident compensation amounts at the bottom of this page.

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Compensation amounts are estimated based on the level of injury below

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Can I make a no win no fee pedestrian accident claim?

Yes. Our pedestrian accident claims legal services are offered on a no win, no fee basis, meaning you won’t pay a penny if you don’t win your claim.

Additionally, with Express solicitors, there are no upfront costs or hidden charges, and you’ll never be out of pocket. In some cases, we may even be able to provide you with an interim payment.

What is a no win no fee agreement?

No win no fee agreements are also known as Conditional Fee Agreements (CFA). This agreement means that there is only a fee on the condition that you win your claim. It means you are safe to pursue a compensation claim knowing that you have no financial risk if it’s unsuccessful.

When your claim is successful, the other side (typically their insurer) pays most of the legal costs, and the law firm takes a pre-agreed fixed percentage of the compensation. This means you’d never be out of pocket when claiming.

In addition, we take out an insurance policy on your behalf, which protects you in the rare event the claim isn’t successful. This is known as an After The Event (ATE) insurance policy, which means you have no upfront costs and nothing to pay if you lose the case.

We provide unlimited legal advice at the outset of all claims, so don’t hesitate to contact us. We can assess your claim and explain the no win no fee process on our first call.

Why should you choose us?

100% No-Win-No-Fee

Contact us with the comfort of knowing you’ll never be at financial risk when you claim with us. We cover all legal costs, never charge upfront fees, and we only get paid if you

Advanced payments available

We understand how an accident can affect your financial position. We always look to collect an early compensation (interim) payment where possible.

We can take over your case

With legal specialists for every type of accident claim, we can take over your claim at any stage from another solicitors. We take pride in winning cases other firms turn down.

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

To claim for a pedestrian accident successfully, you will need to prove that another person was either wholly or partly to blame. The more evidence you can provide, the easier and quicker it may be to claim the compensation you deserve for your injuries.

Such evidence may include the following:

  • Providing a copy of the Police report of the accident
  • Details of the accident scene and how the accident took place
  • Photographs or video of the accident scene
  • Contact information for any eyewitnesses to the accident
  • Contact information for the driver who caused the accident, including the make, model and registration number, if possible
  • If there was CCTV footage available
  • Providing any details of the medical treatment you received either at the scene or following at hospital or your GP

Don’t worry if you don’t have all of this information. Our specialist road accident claim solicitors can help compile this information for you.

How long will my pedestrian accident claim take to settle?

The length of time your case may take to settle will depend on the complexity of the case and how quickly the person at fault admits liability.

Some cases can take as little as three months, while others can take considerably longer.

Speak to our specialist road accident solicitors today about your claim, and we may be able to advise you on the length of time your claim may take.

Will I need to go to court to contest my pedestrian accident claim?

It is rare that a pedestrian accident claim will go to court, as over 95% of claims are settled out of court. Even if your claim does go to court, you may not be required to attend.

Can I claim compensation if hit by an uninsured or hit and run driver?

Can I claim for a child hit by a car?

Yes, as a parent or guardian, you can claim on behalf of a child injured in a pedestrian accident. Claiming on their behalf is known as claiming as a “litigation friend.”

The usual three-year time period to start the claim does not apply to pedestrian accident claims involving children. Instead, you will have up to their 21st birthday to start the claim.

Claims involving children can take longer to settle as the full extent of their injuries may take longer to appear.

Can I claim for a family member injured in a pedestrian accident?

Yes, you can make a claim on behalf of a loved one if they cannot make a claim for themselves. For example, claims can be made when the injured person lacks mental capacity or the injuries are so severe they cannot claim themselves.

Sadly very serious pedestrian accidents can lead to head, brain and spinal injuries that can have a long-term effect on the quality of life of those injured and their families.

You can also claim on behalf of someone who may have died from a pedestrian accident.

We understand the financial impact of an accident.

In 99% of cases, we recovered more compensation than the insurer’s first offer. We’ll provide financial security with our interim payments wherever possible, meaning you don’t need to rush into an offer that is lower than you’re legally entitled to.

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Can I claim for a hit-and-run pedestrian accident?

Although these claims can be more complex, you can still claim compensation if you’ve suffered injuries from an accident involving a hit-and-run driver. Hit and run drivers are classified as drivers who left the scene and you could not identify them.

Hit and run pedestrian claims can be made with the Motor Insurance Bureau (MIB).

Section 170 of the Road Traffic Act 1988 states that a driver must stop, report the accident and provide their contact and insurance details whenever a driver is involved in an accident. If the driver does not give their name and address at the time of the accident, they must report it to the police within 24 hours.

Can I claim for a pedestrian accident if the driver isn’t insured?

Yes, you are still able to claim for your injuries even if the driver doesn’t have insurance. Similarly to hit and run pedestrian claims, these claims are handled by the Motor Insurance Bureau.

The MIB helps victims of road traffic accidents when the party at fault cannot be traced or doesn’t have insurance.

The MIB will ask you for as much information as you can provide, and they will look for supporting evidence, such as CCTV footage, to support your claim.

Can I claim compensation for a pedestrian hit by a car in a car park?

Yes, you have exactly the same rights to make a claim if you were a pedestrian hit by a car in a car park as long as it can be proven that the accident was caused either wholly or partly by the driver’s negligence.

Unlimited legal support.

That’s right, we provide unlimited legal support for our prospective clients. Not sure if you have a claim, or if you even want to make a claim? You can speak with us for as long as you like and as many times as you like. We’ll let you know your legal rights, completely free of charge and with no obligation to make a claim.

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Compensation claim amounts for injuries caused by pedestrian accidents

Part of bodySeverity of injuryAmount of compensationTypes of injuries
HeadMinor£1,880.00 to £10,890.00Covers head injury with recovery within a few weeks. Higher compensation if symptoms include headaches.
HeadModerate£13,430.00 to £112,130.00Symptoms ranging from poor concentration, lower and higher risk of epileptic attacks, minor personality changes, depression, more severe intellectual impairment, or injuries/symptoms leading to a vegetative state.
HeadSerious£186,890.00 £240,590.00Covers reduced life expectancy, serious physical symptoms, serious changes to personality or intellect, large dependence on others due to paralysis or otherwise.
HeadSevere£240,590.00 to £344,640.00Covers minimally conscious state (life expectancy less than 15 years), severe disability, brain damage with little/no response, vegetative states needing full-time nursing.
EyeSevere£56,080.00to £229,260.00Complete blindness on one/both eyes or severe visual impairment on one/both eyes.
FaceMinor£1,460.00 to £7,460.00Light or no scarring on the face, but no fractures, loss/damage of one/two front teeth, simple fractures of the jaw or nose, but with a possibility of complete recovery.
FaceSerious£15,320.00 to £26,010.00More serious fractures such as a broken jaw or nose, breaking/damage/loss of several teeth.
FaceSevere£26,010.00 to £38,850.00Severe injuries resulting in facial disfigurement, several jaw fractures, chronic tooth pain, and scarring. May lead to eating restrictions or higher risk of joint arthritis. Covers negative effects on mental health.
Ear/ hearingMinorUp to £5,980.00Possible Noise Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL), slight/occasional tinnitus.
Ear/ hearingModerate£12,700.00 to £25,350.00Partial hearing loss or mild to severe tinnitus.
Ear/ hearingSerious£25,350.00 to £38,850.00Complete deafness in one ear. Severity varies based on additional symptoms (e.g. dizziness, tinnitus, etc.).
Ear/ hearingSevere£77,430.00 to £120,040.00Complete deafness in both ears. Higher compensation for child injuries also resulting in a loss of speech.

Pedestrian accident and injury compensation amounts for back, neck, shoulders and upper body injuries

Part of bodySeverity of injuryAmount of compensationTypes of injuries
NeckMinorUp to £6,680.00Soft tissue injuries or whiplash with recovery within 3 – 24 months. Compensation factors include severity of pain and amount of negative effects on everyday life.
NeckModerate£7,410.00 to £47,760.00Covers injuries that accelerated a pre-existing condition, disc lesions, cervical spondylosis, serious limitation of movement, permanent and/or recurring pain, all caused by fractures or dislocations.
NeckSevere£56,100.00 to £139,210.00Serious fractures, severe soft tissue damage, chronic pain conditions, disc damage, partial paraplegia, or significant, permanent disability.
BackMinor£2,090.00 to £10,670.00Includes lighter strains, sprains, disc prolapses, and soft tissue injuries. Recovery between 3 months and 5 years.
BackModerate£11,730.00 to £26,050.00Includes: spinal fusion, compressed or fractured lumbar spine (possibly resulting in higher risk of osteoarthritis and constant pain), prolapsed discs and other injuries that may require surgery and a continued acceleration/worsening of a pre-existing back condition.
BackSevere£36,390.00 to £151,070.00Typically requires surgery. Injuries include: damaged spinal cord and partial paralysis, psychological issues, loss of bladder and/or bowel function, disc lesions, impaired movement, arthritis, etc.
ShoulderMinorUp to £6,730.00Soft tissue injury resulting in pain. Full recovery between 3 – 24 months.
ShoulderSerious£10,890.00 to £16,380.00Fractured humerus, clavicle or rotator cuff needing surgery.
ShoulderSevere£16,380.00 to £40,970.00Significant disability caused by severe damage to the neck or brachial plexus.
Pelvis & hipsMinor£3,370.00 to £10,750.00Complete recovery after minor soft tissue injuries. Little or no disability within 2 years.
Pelvis & hipsModerate£10,750.00 to £33,430.00No serious disability, but covers injuries requiring hip operations, replacement of hips (or the need for either in the future).
Pelvis & hipsSevere£33,430.00 to £111,690.00Severe hip/pelvis fractures resulting in bowel damage or spinal fusion, childbirth complications, hip replacement, and/or leading to higher likelihood of future surgery.
Scarring (not facial)Minor£2,020.00 to £7,380.00One noticeable scar or several superficial, unsightly scars on the legs, arms, or hands.
Scarring (not facialModerateUp to £7,380.00Full recovery within 2 years, up to a partial recovery with symptoms that are not largely debilitating.
Scarring (not facialSevere£6,680.00 to £19,390.00Several noticeable laceration scars or a single disfiguring scar.

Pedestrian accident and injury compensation amounts for arm, hand, and finger injuries

Part of bodySeverity of injuryAmount of compensationTypes of injuries
ArmMild£5,630.00 to £16,380.00Fractured forearm.
ArmModerate£16,380.00 to £33,430.00Serious arm injury leading to long-lasting symptoms.
ArmSerious£33,430.00 to £111,690.00Serious injury resulting in an inability to use the arm(s) to some extent. Does not result in amputation.
ArmSevere£82,040.00 to £255,930.00Results may include the amputation of one/both arms. Compensation amount will depends on amputated area, whether phantom pain is experienced, and on other effects on the quality of life.
ElbowModerateUp to £10,750.00Includes: tennis elbow, deep cuts, simple fractures, no permanent damage.
ElbowSerious£13,360.00 to £27,320.00Results in restricted movement but does not require surgery or cause disability.
ElbowSevere£33,430.00 to £46,780.00Injury causes severe disability or requires surgery.
WristModerateUp to £8,740.00Uncomplicated Colles fracture or minor undisplaced fractures with recovery between 1 – 2 years. May include use of plasters.
WristSerious£10,750.00 to £20,900.00Soft tissue damage or broken wrist causing some permanent disability.
WristSevere£20,900.00to £51,070.00.Significant permanent disability or complete loss of wrist function.
HandMinorUp to £4,050.00Covers lacerations and crush injuries, and soft tissue injuries (recovery within 6 months).
HandModerate£4,780.00 to £11,330.00Covers penetrating wounds and crush injuries resulting in permanent but non-intrusive symptoms, or soft tissue damage and deeper cuts resulting in impairment of the hand (may require surgery).
HandSevere£24,740.00 to £171,920.00Covers amputation and rejoining of several fingers, resulting in a clawed, impaired, or unsightly hand, amputation of one/both hands (alternatively, amputation of several fingers rendering the hand almost useless).
FingerMinorUp to £4,055.00Includes: full-healed fractured finger bones (healed within 1 year) with/without minor scarring.
FingerModerate£3,370.00 to £5,000.00Includes: complete (or almost complete) recovery after broken finger, amputation or loss of a part of the little finger.
FingerSevere£10,380.00 to £31,350.00Includes: complete amputation of one/more fingers, fractures of the index finger. Compensation depends on level of disability and suffering.
ThumbMinorUp to £4,055.00Short-term, severe pain gone within 3 months.
ThumbModerate£3,370.00 to £10,750.00Covers fractures with recovery within 6 months, damage to nerves or tendons resulting in partial loss of sensation, and cosmetic thumb deformities.
ThumbSevere£10,750.00 to £46,780.00Partial/complete amputation of the thumb, surgical wire insertions, nerve damage, fractures, inability to grip.

Pedestrian accident and injury compensation amounts for leg and foot injuries

Part of bodySeverity of injuryAmount of compensationTypes of injuries
LegMinor£7,780.00 to £12,010.00Minor injuries with recovery within a few months (e.g. soft-tissue injuries, bruising, cuts, and contusions). Slightly more severe injuries such as simple fractures of the femur, tibia, or fibula.
LegModerate£15,320.00 to £46,780.00Minor fractures with partial recovery, serious soft tissue injury, injuries to one leg (e.g. broken bones, crushing injuries), ligament injuries, compound fractures leading to near certainty of arthritis or instability.
LegSevere£46,780.00 to £240,590.00Severe injuries resulting in extensive degloving, bone grafting, permanently reduced mobility, or amputation of one/both legs (above/below the knee).
KneeMinorUp to £11,730.00Includes soft tissue injuries (recovery within a few months), a twisted knee, lacerations, or bruising resulting in discomfort or pain.
KneeModerate£22,340.00 to £37,070.00Includes: seriously damaged kneecaps, ligaments, or muscles, dislocation, a torn meniscus, acceleration injuries (over several years), resulting in ongoing discomfort or pain.
KneeSevere£44,470.00 to £82,080.00Covers constant pain, severe disability, or muscle wastage. Higher compensation if need for surgery or injury effects quality of life.
AnkleMinorUp to £11,730.00Smaller fractures, but bone has not been displaced. May include sprains, injured ligaments (likely leads to scarring). Smaller injuries can allow for full recovery within a year, without any scarring.
AnkleModerate£11,730.00 to £42,710.00Includes ligament tears, fractures, leading to smaller disabilities while standing/moving. Increased risk of osteoarthritis. Operation/cast needed. May lead to inability to work or call for special footwear.
AnkleSevere£42,710.00 to £59,480.00Severe injury resulting in deformities, disabilities, or even amputation of the body part down the line.
AchillesMinor£6,200.00 to £10,750.00Minor instability due to tendon damage around the ankle. Some more severe cases might involve scarring.
AchillesModerate£10,750.00 to £17,970.00More serious injury and partially ruptured tendon. More severe cases tend to involve disability and/or permanent scarring.
AchillesSevere£21,320.00to £32,780.00Restricted movement of the ankle due to severed muscle tissue. Small likelihood of further improvement of limp and residual scarring.
FootMinorUp to £11,730.00Includes: minor fractures, lacerations or contusions (with complete recovery within 2 years), ruptured ligaments or other puncture wounds that result in chronic pain or a permanent limp.
FootModerate£11,730.00 to £59,730.00Includes: metatarsal fractures resulting in permanent deformity and ongoing symptoms, fractured heels (both), restricted mobility, degloving and heel fusion.
FootSevere£71,640.00 to £171,920.00Injury needing amputation of one/both feet or traumatic amputation of the forefoot (to prevent need for complete amputation).
ToeMinorUp to £8,190.00One or more broken toes with a varying recovery period. Compensation depends on presence of long-term symptoms and speed of recovery.
ToeModerate£8,190.00 to £11,730.00Multiple fractures, crush injuries to two/more toes, permanent disability. May have involved unsuccessful past operations.
ToeSevere£11,730.00 to £47,830.00Severe crush injuries leading to less/surgical amputation of one or two toes (not including the big toe), amputation of all toes or the big toe.

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