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Hit by a car?
SDS Solicitors are experts in pedestrian accident claims
Pedestrian Accident Claims Solicitors Manchester
Have you suffered a Pedestrian Injury as a result of someone else’s carelessness?
When traveling in a car, on a motorbike, or even a pushbike we protect ourselves against the very real risk of an accident. We use seatbelts, helmets, cushioned pads for knees and elbows for example.
As pedestrians we are exposed to similar risks, yet we don’t wear anything that protects us from physical injury. Being struck by a moving car as a pedestrian can cause very serious injuries and even death, since the spine, head, and neck are normally unprotected, and they often hit the ground, or the exterior of the car with great force.
If you or a loved one has been injured as a pedestrian and you believe the accident was caused by someone else’s carelessness you may be entitled to pursue a claim for financial compensation. Our team of expert Solicitors will be able to tell you quickly, and with certainty, whether you have a solid case to make a compensation claim and whether there is a high likelihood of success.
The first step is to call us for a free, initial consultation so we can hear the circumstances of the accident.
We have many years of experience pursuing claims for pedestrians injured by negligent road users and our track record of success speaks for itself. In dealing with Sheldon Davidson you will also find that we are considerate of the suffering, stress, and trauma you and your loved ones are going through, as a result of the accident and the injuries sustained. We keep this top of mind in all our dealings with clients and strive to ensure that, what can often be a cold and clinical process, is as painless and stress-free for you as possible. So, call us today and experience our warm and compassionate approach for yourself.
Common injuries suffered by pedestrians involved in Road Traffic Accidents
Pedestrian Accidents can range in severity from minor injuries like cuts, bruises and scrapes, to very serious head and spine injuries and in the worst case even death.
Figures published by The House of Commons for 2016 report that there were 181,384 accident casualties recorded on Britain’s roads. Of these, 448 pedestrians were fatally injured. This is a shockingly high number, which provides some insight into the real risk that exists for pedestrians.
If we consider the normal speed limit on Britain’s roads is 30mph and the odds of survival if hit by a car traveling at that speed, it is easier to understand why pedestrians can be so seriously and even fatally injured. Survival rates when struck by a vehicle traveling at speed are as follows:
- At 20mph 95% chance of survival
- At 30mph 55% chance of survival
- At 40mph 5% chance of survival
From these statistics, it is easy to see why a motorist traveling even slightly over the 30mph speed limit could cause serious injuries and even death in a collision with a pedestrian.
Common injuries suffered by pedestrians involved in Road Traffic Accidents include:
- Minor cuts and bruises
- Deep lacerations resulting in heavy blood loss
- Broken bones
- Serious head, brain and spine injuries
- Emotional Trauma
- Death
Clearly, to sustain any of the above types of injury, or to see a loved one suffer as a result of someone else’s carelessness is extremely unfortunate and distressing and if this applies to you, you are entitled to pursue a claim for financial compensation.
At Sheldon Davidson Solicitors, we believe strongly in justice, and we will fight your corner all the way to get you the compensation you deserve.
The main causes of Pedestrian Accidents
When driving a vehicle, the driver is legally required to apply due care and attention to the road, so as to minimise the risk of an accident. Unfortunately, some drivers do not always apply the necessary level of attention and accidents do occur as a result of driver negligence.
Some of the ways drivers can be deemed guilty of negligence include:
- Distracted Driving i.e. using mobile phone whilst driving
- Speeding
- Failing to yield to pedestrians
- Driving whilst over the legal alcohol limit
- Disobeying traffic signs
- Disregarding bad weather conditions
Evidence to support your Pedestrian Accident Claim
Obviously to be able to pursue a claim for injury compensation there has to be a party to blame. In the case of a pedestrian accident where the injured party has been hit by a negligent driver the onus is on the claiming party to prove that the driver was in fact negligent.
The types of evidence which can be submitted to support such a claim include:
- Photographic Evidence of the accident scene
- CCTV of the scene leading up to and including the accident
- Mobile phone records of the driver
- Witness testimony of anyone who witnessed what happened
A good road traffic accident solicitor can make all the difference in securing the right evidence to support a claim of driver negligence. At Sheldon Davidson we have experts with vast experience of this type of claim, who can ensure your case is as solid as possible. Once we have a watertight case that proves driver negligence we will work together with you to value the claim. In valuing the claim, we would look to consider all aspects of life that have been impacted by the accident, from the mental pain and anguish suffered, through to actual out-of-pocket expenses incurred. As a guide, items we would look to consider would include:
- Loss of earnings
- Medical Costs
- On-going care costs
- Adaptations to home and transport
- Psychological Care costs
A word of caution about Pedestrian Accident claims
In some cases, if the driver was undoubtedly at fault and there is no case of liability to be argued it is not uncommon for their insurance company to approach the injured party with an out of court settlement. Obviously it is the Insurance Company that would eventually be forced to pay any financial compensation awarded by the court and so an out of court settlement is often used to entice people into foregoing a court case.
As specialist injury Solicitors, we strongly advise against accepting any such offer as we believe we can secure you a much larger sum through the court. Talk to one of our specialist Solicitors, who will advise you on your specific case.
