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Pedestrians are entitled to safe passage on our roads. However, accidents can occur, and when they do, the consequences can be severe. If you were struck by a vehicle such as a car, bus, motorcycle or bicycle, you might be entitled to compensation.
This guide will walk you through the process of making a pedestrian accident claim in Northern Ireland.
Pedestrian accident claims are when an injured pedestrian seeks financial compensation for their pain, suffering and loss of amenity through litigation. A plaintiff can also seek compensation for other damages such as loss of earnings, medical expenses and even missed opportunities.
To pursue a pedestrian accident claim, you would instruct a personal injury solicitor to act on your behalf.
Pedestrian accidents can occur in various ways. Some of the most common scenarios include:
This isn’t an exhaustive list, and injuries resulting from these incidents can vary significantly. The amount of compensation that you are likely to receive depends on the severity of the injuries and other circumstances surrounding the accident and the resulting consequences. A personal injury solicitor can advise you on this.
If injured in Northern Ireland, you have three years to claim, starting from the date you became aware of your injuries. However, it can also commence at a later date in certain circumstances. For example, if the pedestrian is under the age of 18.
If the deadline is missed, then the case will almost always become statute-barred, and you won’t be able to claim. This allows the injured person a reasonable amount of time to seek compensation while also ensuring the other party is not under threat of litigation indefinitely.
If you would like to know more about time limits, read: How long do I have to make a personal injury claim in Northern Ireland?
Even if you were involved in a hit-and-run collision or if a vehicle driver was not insured, you could still make a claim. This can be achieved by claiming from the Motor Insurers’ Bureau.
If you would like to know more about this topic, read: Uninsured or untraced (hit & run) driver claims
Even if you believe you were partially at fault for the accident, you might still be able to claim compensation. The law allows for ‘contributory negligence,’ which means that you can still receive compensation, but it may be reduced to reflect your share of the blame.
If you would like to learn more about contributory negligence, read: Can I still claim if an accident was my fault?
You can start the claims process by speaking with a solicitor. We are experts in this field and can advise you on whether we believe you have a viable case worth pursuing. We offer free initial consultations for us to establish if we think you have a viable case and for you to decide if McCartan Turkington Breen is the firm for you.
So, Contact Us today to find out. Or, visit Pedestrian Accident Claims to learn more about our services.
