Pedestrian Accident Claims in Manchester

If you have been injured in a pedestrian accident after being struck by a vehicle while you were walking on pavement near a road, we can help you to claim compensation. Graham Coffey & Co. Solicitors has helped hundreds of people with pedestrian compensation claims, meaning we are well placed to offer legal advice in this area.

No matter how minor or severe a pedestrian accident may have been, it is vital that you seek medical attention and contact a knowledgeable solicitor for advice in this area. We understand the impact that this type of incident can have on your wellbeing, and we will work tirelessly to secure the compensation you deserve.

Our solicitors - based in Manchester city centre - are friendly, experienced and dedicated to making the pedestrian injury compensation claims process as simple and stress-free as possible.

How our pedestrian road traffic accident claims work

Pedestrians are considered the most vulnerable of all road users due to their lack of physical protection against being hit by a car or another road vehicle. While some accidents only result in minor cuts and bruises, others can have more serious consequences - resulting in life-changing injuries or even death.

Our solicitors have a great deal of experience in handling pedestrian accident claims involving the following:

• Zebra/pelican/toucan crossings
• School gates crossings
• Incidents on country roads
• A pedestrian walking between parked vehicles
• Accidents caused by defective surfaces
• Cycle lanes
• Pedestrian zones in towns/city centres
• Accidents in public
• Incidents involving running/jogging/dog-walking
• Pedestrians hurt when a car has reversed into them
• Crossing roads between vehicles in traffic

Graham Coffey & Co. Solicitors will handle your case with professionalism and empathy, providing clear guidance at every stage. From your first call to the final outcome, we will work with care and determination to secure the best possible result for your circumstances.

What should I do if I am involved in a pedestrian accident?

If you have been involved in a pedestrian accident, your health must come first. Seek medical attention immediately, even if you do not think you are injured. Some injuries do not show symptoms straight away, and a full medical assessment could help protect both your wellbeing and your claim.

Once you are safe, report the accident to the police. Their report will include details of the incident that could support your case later on.

If you are able, there are several steps you can take at the scene that may strengthen your compensation claim:

• Take photographs of the accident location, including your exact position when the collision happened.
• Photograph your injuries to show the impact of the accident.
• Ask witnesses for their contact details – their statements could support your version of events.
• Keep records of any costs related to the accident, such as medical treatment, travel to appointments, or home care.

If you are too injured to collect this information yourself, a trusted person may be able to do it for you. Only ask someone who you are confident will act in your best interests. If no one is available, focus on your safety and let your pedestrian accident solicitor handle the rest.

Graham Coffey & Co. Solicitors can help you from the very beginning. With our one-call promise, we can assess your situation, tell you if you are eligible to claim, and estimate how much compensation you may be entitled to – all in a single phone call.

Am I eligible to make a personal injury claim for my pedestrian accident?

In most cases, you can make a claim if you have been injured in a pedestrian car accident that was not your fault. You can seek compensation for the physical injuries, psychological trauma, and any financial losses incurred as a result of the accident.

To successfully claim compensation, you will need to prove that the driver was at fault. This is something we can assist you with, using our extensive experience in handling pedestrian accident claims.

Even if a pedestrian fails to look before crossing the road, often, the driver will still be responsible for some degree of fault, as vehicles are legally required to give way to pedestrians. Contact us to learn whether you are eligible to claim.

What is the process for making pedestrian accident claims?

Making a pedestrian accident claim involves a process that requires careful attention and expertise. The goal is to demonstrate the fault of the other party and to accurately quantify the harm you have suffered as a result of the accident. Here is a step-by-step breakdown of the process:

1. Consult a solicitor

Once you have sought medical attention, you should consult a solicitor who specialises in pedestrian accident claims. They will advise you on the viability of your claim and guide you through the entire process. Your solicitor will explain your rights, potential challenges, and how best to proceed.

2. Gather evidence

With the help of your solicitor, gather as much evidence as possible. This includes medical records, witness testimonies, photographs of the accident scene, CCTV footage, if available, and police reports.

3. Notify the at-fault party

Once your solicitor has assessed your claim, they will send a 'Letter of Claim' to the party at fault, usually the driver's insurance company. This letter outlines the details of the accident and your intention to claim compensation.

4. Negotiate a settlement

The at-fault party's insurers have a certain timeframe to respond. If they admit liability, your solicitor will begin negotiations for a fair settlement, based on the severity of your injuries and the impact on your life.

5. Court proceedings

If liability is disputed, or a fair settlement cannot be reached, your claim may need to go to court. However, this is a last resort and the majority of claims are settled before this stage. Road traffic accident solicitors from Graham Coffey & Co. Solicitors will represent you throughout this process, if it becomes necessary.

6. Compensation

Finally, if your claim is successful, either through settlement negotiations or court proceedings, you will receive compensation. The amount you receive will depend on various factors, such as the extent of your injuries, the impact on your life, loss of earnings, and any ongoing care needs.

We will provide you with expert assistance throughout this process and strive to secure the maximum compensation for your injuries, loss of income, and any other damages you have suffered. Our aim is to make the process as stress-free as possible for you, allowing you to focus on your recovery.

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

With pedestrian injuries, it is not uncommon for people to make a claim some time after the accident, usually because they do not realise they have a potential claim. The time limit for making a personal injury claim is usually three years following the incident.However, there are exceptions. If the victim is under 18 years at the time of the accident, the three-year limit starts from their 18th birthday.

For those who lack mental capacity, there may be no time limit at all. However, this is a complex area of law, and it is advisable to act as quickly as possible. We recommend you seek legal advice promptly to ensure you don't miss the chance to claim the compensation you deserve.

How long does a pedestrian accident personal injury claim take to settle?

The length of time it takes to settle a pedestrian accident claim can vary widely depending on a range of factors. These include the complexity of the case, the severity of the injuries involved, the clarity of who is at fault, and the willingness of the other party or their insurance company to settle.

If your injuries are relatively minor and the other party accepts liability, your claim could potentially be resolved in a few months.

If your injuries are more severe and require ongoing medical treatment, the claim could take longer - often a year or more. It is important to get a clear understanding of your long-term prognosis before settling a claim as, once a claim is settled, you cannot go back and ask for more money if your injuries turn out to be more serious than initially thought.

If the other party disputes liability, this can prolong the process, as additional investigations and possibly court proceedings may be necessary to resolve the dispute. Court proceedings can extend the timeframe, potentially to a few years. However, it is important to note that most cases are settled without going to court.

How much compensation can I get for a pedestrian accident claim?

The amount of compensation you receive for a pedestrian accident claim depends on various factors. These include the severity of your injuries, the impact of the accident on your life, and any financial losses you have incurred, such as loss of earnings or medical expenses.

Compensation is typically broken down into two parts: general damages and special damages. General damages compensate for pain and suffering, while special damages cover financial losses. As your legal team, we will work diligently to ensure that you receive maximum compensation.

What is the average settlement for a pedestrian hit by a car?

Narrowing down an average settlement for pedestrian accident claims in the UK can be challenging due to the range of factors that must be taken into account. Each case is unique, and the settlement can vary based on the specifics of the accident, the severity of the injuries sustained, and the impact on the claimant's life.

Consulting with an experienced personal injury solicitor who can provide an estimated range based on the details of your case will allow you to better understand this. We will work meticulously to secure the maximum compensation for your claim, reflective of the harm and losses you have suffered.

Why choose us for your pedestrian accident claim?

Our knowledgeable solicitors are on hand to guide you through the compensation process following a pedestrian accident, giving us the best possible chance of securing the outcome you deserve. We provide:

• No win, no fee legal representation
• Emergency treatment, where appropriate
• A private medical examination
• Private medical treatment, where appropriate
• Loss of earnings recovery

We will provide the direct-dial telephone number for the solicitor who is handling your claim. When the person who is handling your case is unavailable, you can speak to another member of our team who will help with your enquiry.

Our one-call promise

With just one phone call, we promise to determine whether you have a viable compensation claim and estimate how much you could be owed. If you decide to go ahead, we will start work for you immediately. Within the first 24 hours, we will arrange a free consultation with one of our injury specialists. In addition, we will send the initial documentation confirming the details of your agreement.

Provided you have details of the person or party at fault, we will make contact with the defendant to start the claims process that same day.

FAQs about pedestrian accident claims

What is a pedestrian accident?

A pedestrian accident happens when someone on foot is struck by a vehicle, such as a car, van, lorry, or bike. These incidents often result in serious injuries, as pedestrians have little protection against the force of impact.

What is a pedestrian accident claim?

A pedestrian accident claim is a type of personal injury claim made by someone who was injured while walking, due to the actions of a road user. It is brought against the person whose actions caused the accident and resulting injuries.

Is starting a pedestrian accident compensation claim expensive?

At Graham Coffey & Co. Solicitors, we handle most pedestrian accident claims on a no-win, no-fee basis. This means you will not need to pay anything upfront, and you will only pay if your claim is successful. You can focus on your recovery without the added worry of legal costs.

What if the driver failed to stop?

A hit-and-run accident is an incident where a driver involved in a collision fails to stop and identify themselves. This can be a traumatic experience, especially for a pedestrian who might be left injured and alone. It is an offence to leave the scene of an accident without providing contact information, punishable by law, but this can leave victims unsure of their right to compensation.

Graham Coffey & Co. Solicitors understands that victims of hit-and-run accidents can often feel a sense of despair or helplessness. However, we assure you that you have options. The Motor Insurers' Bureau (MIB) is an organisation established to assist victims of accidents caused by uninsured or unidentified drivers. If the driver responsible for your accident cannot be traced, a claim can be made through the MIB for pedestrian hit and run compensation. We have extensive experience with MIB claims and can guide you through the process to ensure you receive the compensation you are entitled to.

Can you make a pedestrian accident claim on behalf of a child?

It is possible to make a pedestrian accident claim on behalf of a child. The law recognises that children cannot make legal decisions for themselves. Therefore, an adult, usually a parent or guardian, can be appointed as a 'litigation friend' and make a claim on their behalf.

The process for making a claim for a child is slightly different than for an adult. Any compensation awarded to the child is typically held in a special trust fund until the child turns 18. We can advise and assist with setting up such a fund.

Can I make a compensation claim on behalf of someone who has died due to their involvement in a road traffic accident as a pedestrian?

Losing a loved one in a pedestrian accident is a devastating event. During such a challenging time, it is essential to seek legal support. If you have lost a family member in a pedestrian accident, you may be entitled to make a fatal accident claim.

We understand that no amount of money can replace a loved one, but compensation can help cover funeral costs, loss of income, and other expenses associated with the loss. We handle such claims with the utmost sensitivity, offering compassionate guidance throughout the process.

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

If you have been injured in a road traffic accident as a pedestrian and the driver left the scene, you are still eligible to make a compensation claim. If the driver cannot be traced, you can make a claim through the MIB. We can guide you through this process, helping you to secure the compensation you deserve.

Who is at fault in a pedestrian accident?

Determining who is at fault in a pedestrian accident is not always straightforward and generally depends on the specifics of each case. Both drivers and pedestrians are expected to adhere to the rules of the road, so liability could fall on either party, or both, depending on the circumstances.

• Driver fault: in many cases, the driver is found at fault. This could be due to factors such as speeding, not yielding to pedestrians at crossings, distracted driving, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or not adhering to traffic signs and signals.
• Pedestrian fault: sometimes, the pedestrian may be found to be at fault or partially at fault. For instance, if a pedestrian was crossing a road illegally or suddenly stepped into traffic without giving the driver enough time to react, they may be found to be responsible for the accident.
• Shared fault: in some situations, both the pedestrian and the driver may share responsibility for the accident. This introduces a factor known as contributory negligence into the claims process. For example, a driver might have been speeding, but the pedestrian was crossing the road without using a designated crossing. In such cases, the amount of compensation may be reduced according to the degree of the pedestrian's fault.

Determining fault can be a complex process, which involves gathering evidence, analysing the accident scene, and possibly reconstructing the accident. The experienced solicitors at Graham Coffey & Co. Solicitors are equipped to handle these complexities. We can work with accident reconstruction experts, review CCTV footage, interview witnesses, and thoroughly review police reports to build a strong case that effectively establishes liability.

Can I claim if my pedestrian accident was partly my fault?

In many cases, you can still make a claim if the accident was partly your fault, but a factor known as contributory negligence will come into play. Under the law in England and Wales, if both the pedestrian and the driver are found to have contributed to the accident, the responsibility is divided between them.

Contributory negligence recognises that more than one party can be at fault for an accident. For example, a driver may have been speeding, but if a pedestrian was crossing the road without looking properly, both parties may be held responsible.

In such a case, the compensation you receive may be reduced proportionately based on the degree of your fault. For instance, if you were found to be 30% at fault, you might receive 70% of the total compensation calculated for your injuries and other damages.

We can provide expert guidance in such complex situations. We will work to build a robust case, aiming to minimise your degree of fault and maximise the compensation you receive. It is important to be open and honest about the circumstances of the accident, as this allows us to provide the most effective representation. Remember, even if you think you may be partly to blame, do not make any admissions of guilt until you have sought legal advice.

Can I still make a pedestrian injury claim if I was hit by an uninsured driver?

Being hit by an uninsured driver can make a difficult situation even more stressful. However, even in these circumstances, you can still make a claim for compensation.

This process involves several steps:

1. Report the accident: it is essential to report the accident to the police as soon as possible. This will not only ensure that the incident is appropriately recorded, but is also a requirement for making a claim with the MIB.
2. Seek medical attention: even if your injuries initially seem minor, seek medical attention promptly. This helps to document your injuries and establish a medical record linked to the accident, which is crucial for your claim.
3. Gather information: collect as much information as you can about the accident. This includes details of the vehicle and driver (if possible), witness information, and photographs of the accident scene.
4. Contact a solicitor: a solicitor experienced in pedestrian accident claims can guide you through the process of making a claim through the MIB and ensure you receive the compensation you are entitled to.
5. Claim submission: your solicitor will put all of the necessary documentation and evidence are in order and submit your claim to the MIB.

Graham Coffey & Co. Solicitors understands the complexities of dealing with road traffic accident cases involving uninsured drivers. We are here to guide you through this process, provide expert advice and help you to secure the compensation you deserve after a distressing incident.