Being involved in a pedestrian accident can be a traumatic experience, leaving you with physical injuries, emotional distress, and financial burdens. If you’ve been hit by a car in Birmingham, it’s important to understand your rights and whether you’re eligible to make a pedestrian accident claim. Â
Understanding Pedestrian Accident Claims
Pedestrian accident claims fall under the umbrella of personal injury claims. To be eligible for compensation, you need to establish that the accident was caused by the negligence of another party, such as a driver, cyclist, or even a property owner if a hazard on their property contributed to the accident. Â
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Birmingham
Birmingham, like many busy cities, sees its fair share of pedestrian accidents. Some common causes include:
Driver negligence:
This encompasses a wide range of actions, such as speeding, distracted driving (using a mobile phone), driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and failing to adhere to traffic signals or road signs.
Poor road conditions:
Inadequate lighting, poorly maintained pavements, and obscured crossings can all increase the risk of pedestrian accidents. Â
Environmental factors:
Adverse weather conditions, such as heavy rain or fog, can reduce visibility and make it more difficult for drivers to see pedestrians. Â
Establishing Liability in a Pedestrian Accident Claim
To make a successful pedestrian accident claim, you’ll need to prove that the other party owed you a duty of care and breached that duty, directly resulting in your injuries. This often involves gathering evidence such as:
- Witness statements: Accounts from people who saw the accident can be crucial in supporting your claim.
- Police reports: If the police attended the scene, their report will contain valuable information about the accident.
- Medical records: These documents will detail the extent of your injuries and the treatment you received.
- CCTV footage: If the accident was captured on CCTV, this can provide strong evidence of liability.
- Photographs of the accident scene: Images of the location, road conditions, and any visible injuries can help to build your case.
What to Do After Being Hit by a Car in Birmingham
If you’re unfortunate enough to be involved in a pedestrian accident, there are several steps you should take:
- Seek medical attention: Your health is the priority. Even if you don’t feel seriously injured, it’s important to get checked out by a medical professional as some injuries may not be immediately apparent.
- Report the accident to the police: This is a legal requirement in many cases, and the police report can be an important piece of evidence for your claim.
- Gather information: If possible, collect details from any witnesses, including their names and contact information. Take photos of the accident scene and any visible injuries.
- Contact a solicitor: Seeking legal advice as soon as possible is crucial. A solicitor specialising in pedestrian accident claims can guide you through the process, advise you on your eligibility, and help you to gather the necessary evidence. Â
Types of Compensation You Can Claim
If your pedestrian accident claim is successful, you may be entitled to compensation for various losses, including:
- Pain and suffering: This covers the physical and emotional distress caused by your injuries.
- Loss of earnings: If your injuries prevent you from working, you can claim for the income you’ve lost.
- Medical expenses: This includes the cost of any treatment, medication, and rehabilitation you require.
- Travel expenses: You can claim for the cost of travel to and from medical appointments.
- Care costs: If you need assistance with daily tasks due to your injuries, you can claim for the cost of care.
Making a Road Traffic Accident Claim with National Claims
At National Claims, we understand the profound impact that road traffic accidents can have on your life and the lives of your loved ones. If you have been injured in an accident caused by another driver’s negligence, whether it be due to fatigue, distraction, or recklessness.
Free Consultation
We recognise that every road traffic accident case is unique, and we’re here to offer you a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your specific situation. During this consultation, we’ll listen attentively to your experience, gather relevant details about the accident, and assess the potential strength of your claim.
Our team will then connect you with a qualified solicitor from our panel who specialises in road traffic accident claims, ensuring that you receive the expert legal representation needed to pursue your case effectively.
*Customers pay up to 25% (incl. VAT) of the amount recovered towards solicitor costs and if you cancel outside your cooling off period, you may be charged a fee.
Contact us today to speak to one of our claims agents who will be able to help you get started on your claim.
Click below to see why we are one of the most trusted claims management companies in the UK.
We’re proud of our excellent customer reviews
We thrive on delivering exceptional service and ensuring our clients’ satisfaction. Don’t just take our word for it. Check out some of our independent reviews to see what our clients have to say.
Excellent
This firm is excellent, they sorted out my car pay out and injury claim very fast, they always communicate with you all the time.
My accident case was dealt with confidence and with great result of the outcome, especially James kept me informed all the time.
I was very impressed at the way my inquiry was treated. I was listened to attentively and everything I needed to know was explained to me.
