Understanding the Duty of Care at Junctions and Pavements
The legal landscape for pedestrians has evolved. Recent updates to the Highway Code have formalised a hierarchy of road users, placing a significant duty of care on drivers to protect pedestrians.
Drivers are now required to give way to pedestrians waiting to cross at junctions. If you were involved in a personal injury claim where a pedestrian was hit by a car while crossing a side road or walking on a pavement, the law is increasingly on your side. Our expertise lies in proving negligence in these specific scenarios, ensuring that insurance companies do not unfairly shift the blame onto the victim.
Road Traffic Accidents
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents
Most accidents involving pedestrians arise from preventable driver errors. We frequently assist with cases involving:
Drivers pulling out of junctions or driveways without noticing pedestrians
Motorists who fail to give way to people crossing side roads
Drivers using mobile phones or sat-navs can lead to a pedestrian being hit by a car
Drivers using mobile phones or sat-navs can lead to a pedestrian being hit by a car
What if the Driver Doesn’t Stop?
If a driver flees the scene, you can still pursue a pedestrian accident claim. We are experts in navigating claims through the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB) under their untraced drivers scheme.
If you’re a victim of a hit-and-run, you must report the incident to the police within 14 days to preserve your right to a claim.
What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident
If you’re involved in an accident on foot, taking these steps can strengthen your position. This process remains the same even in a hit-and-run scenario, as the evidence you gather is vital for a successful claim through the MIB:
Seek Medical Attention: Your health is the priority. Official medical records serve as the primary evidence for your injury.
Exchange Details: If the driver stops, obtain their name, contact info, and vehicle registration.
Identify Witnesses: Note the names and numbers of anyone who saw the incident. In hit-and-run cases, witness testimony is often the most critical evidence.
Report to the Police: This is essential. In hit-and-run cases, you should report the incident within 14 days (or as soon as possible) to ensure you remain eligible for compensation.
Document the Scene: If safe, take photos of the road layout, any debris, skid marks, and visible hazards. Check for nearby CCTV, dashcam, or doorbell cameras that may have captured the vehicle.
Expert Support for Your Pedestrian Accident Claim
Whether you were injured on a rural lane, a busy city crossing, or a suburban pavement, our family-run team is here to help.
Contact Cordell & Co to request a call back today. We combine 30 years of legal expertise with a No Win, No Fee promise, ensuring you have the best possible support without any financial risk.
How We Can Help
Our committed team of specialists will guide you through every step of the process providing you with honest advice and realistic outcomes to expect on your case. Our team are experts in personal injury and we have been helping people for 30 years. We have a proven track record in obtaining excellent results for our clients.
We also understand the mental, financial and physical difficulty you may be suffering with and will do our utmost to support you throughout the case.
