ROAD INJURY COMPENSATION- PEDESTRIANS

Consider the possible damage and devastation that can occur when a pedestrian is injured by a motor vehicle. The human body can suffer fatal or severe internal and external injuries due to direct impact with a vehicle, and further injuries if thrown to the ground or into the path of another vehicle, as a result of the collision.

Being struck by a car can cause head injuries (for example if one’s head hits the windscreen of the car, or if one’s head is knocked to the ground); injuries to pelvis and abdomen, legs; rupture of internal organs and internal bleeding. Spinal cord damage may also result.

Children pedestrian casualties peak in the morning and afternoon when children tend to be travelling to and from school. For adults, the casualty patterns tends to be highest in the middle of the day when walking levels are generally high, for example workers on their lunch breaks.

Pedestrians who are hit by motor vehicles may have a compensation claim against the driver, but in most compensation schemes, the pedestrian must prove that the accident was the result of negligence by the driver. Pedestrian accidents are often the result of reckless speeding by drivers, drivers under the influence of drugs or alcohol, drivers who fail to observe road signage, drivers who do not slow down at pedestrian crossings,  drivers who are inattentive or preoccupied, for example, busy text messaging on their mobiles.

Sometimes pedestrians contribute to the cause of the accident if for example, ignoring a red “don’t walk” signal at an intersection; darting across a road  without looking. If as a pedestrian, you fail to exercise reasonable care whilst using the road, and the accident was partially your fault, you may still be entitled to some compensation (a reduced amount) for your injuries.

What you can be compensated for depends upon your injuries, disabilities, impairment, medical needs, income loss that is a direct result of the accident.

Because road injury laws vary according to where the accident occurred, it is best to seek advice from an experienced lawyer about the particular circumstances of your case. You may be able to make a claim for road injury compensation.

We have a panel of expert personal injury lawyers who specialise in pedestrian accident claims.

Do not delay in making a claim as time limits do apply.

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