If you’ve been injured as a pedestrian in an accident, the moments that follow can be overwhelming. Knowing what steps to take can make a significant difference in your well-being and your ability to seek compensation for your injuries. This comprehensive guide will outline the essential actions you should take immediately after being injured as a pedestrian. We will also highlight how you can start a road traffic accident claim.
Prioritise Your Safety and Seek Medical Attention
The first and most crucial step after a pedestrian accident is to prioritize your safety and seek medical attention. If possible, move to a safe location away from traffic. Even if you don’t feel seriously injured, it’s imperative to get checked by a medical professional. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent, and a medical evaluation can identify and address potential issues before they worsen. Dial 999 for emergency services if your injuries are severe or if you’re unsure of the extent of your injuries.
Gather Information and Document the Scene
While ensuring your safety and seeking medical help are paramount, gathering information about the accident is equally important. If you’re able to, take photos or videos of the accident scene, including the vehicles involved, road conditions, traffic signals, and any visible injuries. Exchange contact and insurance information with the driver of the vehicle involved. If there were witnesses to the accident, obtain their contact information as their statements could be valuable later on. Note the date, time, and exact location of the accident.
Report the Accident to the Police
In the United Kingdom, it’s mandatory to report road traffic accidents that result in injuries to the police. Even if the injuries seem minor, reporting the accident creates an official record of the incident. This record can be crucial if you decide to pursue a personal injury claim later. When reporting the accident, provide the police with accurate details about the accident, including the information you gathered at the scene. Obtain a reference number for the police report, as you might need it for insurance purposes or legal proceedings.
Preserve Evidence and Seek Legal Advice
In addition to the information gathered at the scene, there might be other forms of evidence that can strengthen your case. Keep copies of medical records, bills, and receipts related to your treatment. If you were using assistive devices like canes or crutches, keep them as they could be relevant to your injuries. It’s advisable to consult with a personal injury solicitor as soon as possible after the accident. They can provide you with legal guidance tailored to your situation, advise you on your rights, and help you navigate the claims process. A solicitor can also communicate with insurance companies on your behalf and negotiate for fair compensation.
Understanding Your Rights as an Injured Pedestrian
As an injured pedestrian in the UK, you have certain rights under the law. The Road Traffic Act of 1988 outlines the responsibilities of both drivers and pedestrians to ensure safety on the roads. If the accident was not your fault, you have the right to seek compensation for your injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages resulting from the accident. It’s important to understand that there are time limits for making a personal injury claim. In most cases, you have three years from the date of the accident to initiate a claim. However, seeking legal advice early on can help you understand these time limits and ensure you don’t miss any deadlines.
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.
