Pedestrian Accidents
More About Pedestrian Accidents
Road Crossing Accidents
Many pedestrian accidents occur while crossing the road, often due to driver inattention or speeding. Common causes include:
- Drivers failing to stop at zebra or pelican crossings
- Poorly timed or faulty pedestrian signals
- Vehicles turning into side roads without checking for pedestrians
- Limited visibility due to parked cars or blind spots
- Distracted driving (e.g., mobile phone use)
Injuries in these cases can be serious, ranging from broken bones and lacerations to spinal injuries or head trauma. If a driver failed in their duty of care, you may have grounds for a claim.
Pavement & Walkway Accidents
Pedestrians are entitled to safe passage on footpaths and walkways. Unfortunately, poor maintenance or environmental hazards often lead to trips, slips, and falls. Common causes include:
- Uneven or broken paving slabs
- Loose kerbstones or exposed tree roots
- Spillages or slippery surfaces left unmarked
- Obstructions such as scaffolding or roadworks without warning signs
- Poor lighting in public walkways
These types of accidents often result in sprains, fractures, or long-term mobility issues. If the pavement is maintained by a local authority or landowner, you may be eligible to claim against them for failing to uphold their responsibilities. This is also known as public liability.
Accidents in Car Parks & Public Areas
Supermarkets, retail parks, and public car parks are also common sites of pedestrian accidents. These can involve moving vehicles, poorly designed layouts, or unsafe walking surfaces. Typical causes include:
- Drivers reversing without checking mirrors or surroundings
- Lack of designated pedestrian zones
- Slippery surfaces due to spills or poor drainage
- Poor visibility or signage in multi-storey car parks
These incidents may involve private companies, local councils, or third-party contractors, and identifying the responsible party is key to pursuing a successful claim.
If you’ve been injured in a pedestrian accident, our expert team at Howard & Over is here to help. We’ll assess your case, explain your options clearly, and support you throughout the claims process. Get in touch with our expert team today.
Your Questions Answered
A pedestrian accident refers to any incident where a person on foot is injured due to the actions or negligence of another party. This can include being struck by a car, van, motorbike, cyclist, or e-scooter, whether on a road, pavement, crossing, car park or even private land. It also covers trips or falls caused by unsafe surfaces such as broken paving slabs, loose kerbs, or unmarked hazards in public areas.
Yes, you may still be able to claim compensation. Pedestrian accidents involving cyclists or e-scooter riders can cause serious injury, especially if the rider was travelling too fast, ignored signals, or was using the pavement illegally.
At Howard & Over, we can investigate the circumstances and advise whether the rider, their insurance (if applicable), or a third party such as a rental company or local authority may be liable. Even in cases where the rider is uninsured, we’ll explore all available options to pursue a fair outcome for you.
Blame, or legal liability, in a pedestrian accident is determined by examining the facts of the case, including witness statements, CCTV or dashcam footage, police reports, and medical evidence. Common factors include whether road users followed the Highway Code, if crossings were used correctly, and whether the driver or other party was distracted, speeding, or failed to stop.
Even if you believe you were partly at fault (e.g. crossing outside of a designated zone), you may still be eligible to claim under a principle called contributory negligence, where compensation is reduced proportionally.
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