Cardiff, with its bustling city center and vibrant pedestrian areas, unfortunately sees its fair share of pedestrian accidents. If you’ve been injured as a pedestrian in Cardiff, you may be entitled to compensation. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the steps involved in making a personal injury claim, the types of compensation you may be able to receive, and how to get the help you need. We will also highlight how you can start a road traffic accident claim.
Understanding Pedestrian Accidents in Cardiff
Pedestrian accidents in Cardiff can happen for a variety of reasons, including:
- Driver negligence: This can include speeding, distracted driving, driving under the influence, or failing to yield to pedestrians.
- Poor road conditions: Potholes, uneven pavements, and inadequate lighting can all contribute to pedestrian accidents.
- Lack of pedestrian crossings: In some areas, there may be a lack of safe pedestrian crossings, forcing pedestrians to take risks when crossing the road.
Regardless of the cause, if you’ve been injured as a pedestrian, it’s important to seek legal advice to understand your rights and options.
Types of Compensation for Pedestrian Injuries
If you’ve been injured in a pedestrian accident, you may be able to claim compensation for a variety of losses, including:
- General damages: This covers the pain and suffering you’ve experienced as a result of your injuries.
- Special damages: This covers any financial losses you’ve incurred, such as medical expenses, lost wages, and travel costs.
- Future losses: If your injuries have a long-term impact on your life, you may also be able to claim compensation for future losses, such as loss of earning capacity and ongoing medical treatment.
The amount of compensation you may be entitled to will depend on the severity of your injuries and the impact they’ve had on your life.
Steps to Take After a Pedestrian Accident
If you’ve been injured in a pedestrian accident, there are several important steps you should take:
- Seek medical attention: Your health is the most important thing. Even if you don’t think your injuries are serious, it’s important to get checked out by a medical professional.
- Gather evidence: If possible, take photos of the accident scene, your injuries, and any damage to your property. Get the contact details of any witnesses.
- Report the accident: Report the accident to the police, especially if it was serious or if you believe the driver was at fault.
- Contact a personal injury solicitor: A solicitor can help you understand your rights, gather evidence, and negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf. National Claims can connect you with an experienced solicitor from our network, who will provide a free consultation to evaluate your case and advise on the best course of action.
The Claims Process: What to Expect
The personal injury claims process can be complex, but your solicitor will guide you through every step. Here’s a general overview of what to expect:
- Initial consultation: Your solicitor will discuss your case with you, assess its merits, and advise you on your options.
- Gathering evidence: Your solicitor will gather evidence to support your claim, including medical reports, witness statements, and police reports.
- Negotiating with the insurance company: Your solicitor will negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf to try to reach a fair settlement.
- Court proceedings: If a settlement cannot be reached, your solicitor may recommend taking your case to court.
Time Limits for Making a Claim
In general, you have three years from the date of the accident to make a personal injury claim. However, there are some exceptions to this rule, so it’s important to seek legal advice as soon as possible.
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.
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