Accidents involving pedestrians are surprisingly common.

The statistics make clear how vulnerable pedestrians are…

In 2014, there were 19,239 slightly injured casualties, 5,063 seriously injured pedestrians and pedestrian fatalities made up 25% of all road accident fatalities…and we’re just talking about the UK here.

There are several steps that can be taken to ensure pedestrian safety such as following the Green Cross Code and taking extra care when with vulnerable people. In the unfortunate event that an injury occurs, a claim for compensation can be pursued against the driver.

The Green Cross Code is not just something to emphasise when with children – it should also be practiced by adults too. It’s easy to flout the Code when in a hurry, but a fleeting lapse in judgement can cause serious harm.

The Code involves:

• finding a safe place to cross
• stopping just before you get to the kerb
• looking all around for traffic
• listening
• letting traffic pass
• and only then, walking straight across the road when it is safe.

It sounds basic, but if it was actually being followed by pedestrian each time, the accidents mentioned above wouldn’t happen.

The statistics speak for themselves.

The most vulnerable groups are the elderly, people with vision and walking difficulties and children.

The impact of personal injury on the road for an elderly person is often far greater than for a younger person in the same position; the injuries can be much more serious and the impact on quality of life far greater.

If you are an elderly person, have a visual or walking impairment, or are with a child, be mindful of safety when on the roads. Follow the Green Cross Code at all times and remind the people you are walking with. You should make it a habit – don’t let an injury change that for you.

There were 2,029 children seriously injured in road accidents in 2014. Most would agree that even one child pedestrian injured is one too many.

The safety of children can be protected by paying careful attention to children’s activities when near ice cream vans, near park entrances and when amongst parked cars or even near a driveway.

Accidents at crossings are common too. When approaching pedestrian crossings and especially when with children, don’t assume cars will stop. Technically they don’t have to until someone is actually on the crossing. Keeping good habits in front of children is important – they will learn from what you do.

The types of personal injuries on the road sustained by pedestrians range from minor to serious. If pursued, this will be reflected in the award for damages. Common injuries include fractures, head injuries, lacerations which can leave scars, etc.

Near-fatal accidents can have a very significant impact on victims who may need long-term care and will more likely than not, result in diminished quality of life.

Then there are the most serious of case – fatalities.

If you or a family member has sustained a personal injury on the road, there is a time limit of three years from the date of the accident in which to make a personal injury claim. It’s important to see a lawyer as soon as possible to get the ball rolling as a lot needs to be done in this time. What is more, the facts of what occurred will still be fresh in your mind so evidence is easier to obtain and certainly more reliable.

Your lawyer will look closely at the circumstances of what happened. It needs to be proved that there was a direct link between the negligence of the driver and your personal injury.

Damages are calculated on a case-by-case basis and can include general damage for pain and suffering, lost earnings, expenses and services. In cases of fatality, compensation is available to the parents or spouse/partner of the victim. The insurance provider of the driver will be the one who actually pays out. Often claims are settled out of court.

Our advice – get a good lawyer on board to resolve matters quickly for you.

Saracens Solicitors are members of the Solicitors’ Regulation Authority Personal Injury Panel, which means our team have been assessed as being experts in the field. We are also a member of the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers. We can advise on even the most serious and complex of claims. We are committed to fighting for maximum compensation for our clients. We operate on a no win no fee basis and offer free consultations. You will be assigned to a qualified and experienced solicitor straight away, rather than a case manager, as we understand the need to work quickly in making these claims.

If you have suffered a personal injury as a pedestrian or want information about personal injury claims, please phone our office on 020 3588 3500 to speak to one of our personal injury solicitors.

Do you have any thoughts on this piece or experiences of pedestrian personal injuries you want to share? We would love to hear your comments, so please feel free to comment below.