Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents

Pedestrian accidents can happen in a wide range of circumstances, particularly in busy urban locations where vehicles and foot traffic interact closely.

Other cases may involve poor visibility, reversing vehicles, failure to observe traffic signals, or collisions in car parks and access roads.

What Should You Do After a Pedestrian Accident?

The steps taken after an accident can be important both for your wellbeing and for any later claim. You may also find our guide on steps after a car accident in Northern Ireland useful, as many of the same practical points apply.

• Seek medical attention as soon as possible.
• Report the incident to the PSNI where appropriate.
• Obtain the driver’s name, insurance details and vehicle registration if possible.
• Gather contact details for any witnesses.
• Take photographs of the accident location, road layout and any visible injuries if it is safe to do so.
• Keep records of treatment, appointments, medication and any expenses arising from the accident.

How Pedestrian Injury Claims Work

Pedestrian accidents are usually handled as a form of road traffic accident claim. A solicitor will review how the incident occurred and whether another party may have been negligent.

The process often involves gathering evidence, reviewing available records, obtaining medical evidence and corresponding with insurers. Our related article on what to do after a road traffic accident may also help explain some of the practical issues that arise early on.

If liability is accepted, the matter may progress towards settlement. Where fault is disputed, more detailed investigation may be required and in some cases court proceedings may become necessary.

Evidence Used in Pedestrian Claims

Medical evidence is an important part of most personal injury claims and helps establish the nature and impact of the injury.

Liability and Contributory Negligence

In many cases, a driver may be responsible if they failed to exercise reasonable care. However, liability is not always straightforward and depends on the facts of the individual accident.

Courts may consider factors such as road layout, visibility, crossings, signals, vehicle speed and the behaviour of both parties. In some situations, a pedestrian may be found partly responsible. This is often described as contributory negligence and may reduce the amount of compensation awarded rather than preventing a claim altogether.

Uninsured or Hit and Run Drivers

If a pedestrian is injured by a driver who is uninsured or cannot be identified, it may still be possible to pursue a claim. In these situations, compensation claims may be considered through the Motor Insurers Bureau.

These cases can involve different practical steps, so obtaining advice early can be important where the driver has left the scene or insurance details are unavailable.

What Compensation May Cover

Where a pedestrian accident claim is successful, compensation may include damages for the injury itself and for related financial losses.

• Pain and suffering caused by the injury
• Medical treatment and rehabilitation costs
• Loss of earnings where work is affected
• Travel expenses linked to treatment or appointments
• Other out-of-pocket financial losses arising from the accident

Similar principles apply across many personal injury matters in Northern Ireland, although the value of any claim depends on the individual facts, the severity of the injuries and the evidence available.

Time Limits for Claims in Northern Ireland

Under the Limitation (Northern Ireland) Order 1989, most personal injury claims must generally be issued within three years of the accident date. Different rules may apply where the injured person is under 18.

Because limitation issues can be important, it is usually sensible not to leave matters until close to the deadline.

Common Questions About Pedestrian Accident Claims