What Can a Pedestrian Do After Being Hit by a Car?

pedestrian accident lawyer

When a pedestrian is hit by a car, the consequences can be physically, emotionally, and financially devastating. If you’ve been injured in such an accident, it’s essential to understand your rights, how to seek compensation, and what steps to take to protect your legal interests.

At DND Law, based in Newry, Northern Ireland, our experienced team of Personal Injury Solicitors in Newry understands how traumatic these situations can be. Whether you’ve suffered minor injuries or life-changing consequences, we are committed to offering clear, compassionate, and reliable legal support.

Summary Content Table

TopicDescription
Immediate steps after being hitWhat to do at the scene and shortly after
Importance of medical treatmentWhy immediate and follow-up care matters
Understanding your legal rightsBasics of personal injury law and comparative negligence in NI
Accident at Work Claim vs Pedestrian AccidentKey differences and how to identify your type of claim
Compensation available for serious injuriesWhat victims can typically claim for
Role of a pedestrian accident lawyerHow legal experts like DND Law can help
Time limits for making a claimLegal deadlines in Northern Ireland
How DND Law can assistOur services and how to get in touch

 

  1. Immediate Steps After Being Hit by a Car

If you’ve been hit by a car, the first priority is your safety. Move to a secure area if possible and seek immediate medical attention. Even if your injuries seem minor, adrenaline can mask pain, and some conditions may worsen over time.

Once safe, gather as much evidence as you can:

  • Take photographs of the scene, including the vehicle and road conditions
  • Get contact details of the driver and any witnesses
  • Report the incident to the police
  • Avoid discussing fault at the scene

This documentation can be crucial if you choose to file a personal injury claim.

  1. Seek Medical Attention Without Delay

In any accident involving pedestrians, serious injuries such as fractures, head trauma, or spinal issues are common. It’s vital to undergo a full medical examination to assess the extent of damage.

Your medical records will also serve as key evidence in any compensation case. Ensure that you follow all recommended treatments, keep copies of all medical expenses, and monitor how your injuries affect your daily life.

Learn more about our services as Personal Injury Solicitors in Newry here

  1. Understand the Comparative Negligence Rule

Northern Ireland follows a form of comparative negligence, which means that more than one party can be found at fault in an accident. If the pedestrian was crossing at a non-designated area or was distracted, the final compensation may be reduced proportionally to their share of blame.

For example:

  • If you are awarded £10,000 in damages, but are found to be 20% at fault, you may receive £8,000 instead.

This is why hiring a skilled pedestrian accident lawyer is essential to ensure your side of the story is fully represented and your fault is minimised where applicable.

  1. Can You Make an Accident at Work Claim?

Not all pedestrian accidents happen in public spaces. If you were struck by a vehicle in a workplace environment (e.g. a delivery driver on-site), you might be entitled to an Accident At Work Claim instead.

DND Law’s legal experts can help determine which category your case falls under, as this will impact the procedures, responsible parties, and compensation structure involved.

  1. What Compensation Can You Claim?

Compensation for being hit by a car as a pedestrian typically covers:

  • Medical expenses (past, ongoing, and future treatment)
  • Rehabilitation costs
  • Loss of income (including future earnings if disabled)
  • Pain, suffering, and emotional distress
  • Modifications to your home or transport if injured long-term

Cases involving serious injuries may result in substantial payouts, but the legal arguments and evidence required are more complex.

  1. Role of a Personal Injury Attorney or Solicitor

Hiring a personal injury attorney or solicitor ensures your case is handled professionally. At DND Law, we assist by:

  • Investigating the accident in detail
  • Gathering and presenting strong evidence
  • Engaging with insurers on your behalf
  • Representing you in court if needed
  • Offering honest advice about potential outcomes

We work on a No Win, No Fee basis where applicable, giving clients peace of mind and zero upfront financial risk.

  1. How Much Time Do You Have to Make a Claim?

In most personal injury cases in Northern Ireland, including pedestrian accidents, you have 3 years from the date of the accident to file a claim. However, there are exceptions, particularly in cases involving children or those lacking mental capacity.

It’s best not to delay. Early legal advice helps preserve evidence and allows your solicitor to build a strong foundation for your case.

  1. Why Choose DND Law?

DND Law is one of the most trusted Solicitors in Newry, with a reputation built on transparency, dedication, and client care. With years of experience in handling Personal Injury, Accident at Work, and Company Law cases, we’re ready to support you from day one.

We bring local insight, legal expertise, and a tailored approach to every case—whether you’ve been struck by a car, injured at work, or suffered any other form of accident.

  1. Company Law Solicitors in Newry

While pedestrian accidents are one aspect of personal injury, our team also provides legal services to businesses. If you’re a company involved in a pedestrian incident, Company Law Solicitors Newry at DND Law can advise on compliance, liability issues, and defence preparation.

Having a solicitor who understands both personal injury and business law makes DND Law a comprehensive legal partner for individuals and organisations alike.

  1. What Makes a Good Pedestrian Accident Lawyer?

A good pedestrian accident lawyer will:

  • Have specific experience in road traffic injury cases
  • Understand how to interpret medical evidence
  • Know how to negotiate effectively with insurers
  • Communicate clearly and regularly with their clients
  • Offer impartial advice, not just what you want to hear

At DND Law, you’ll find all of this and more. We combine deep local knowledge with a modern, client-first legal service.

Final Thoughts

Being involved in a pedestrian accident is an overwhelming experience, but you don’t have to go through it alone. Whether you’ve suffered minor injuries or are dealing with long-term consequences, getting professional legal help is the most important step you can take after being hit by a car.

At DND Law, we offer no-nonsense legal advice, clear communication, and relentless support throughout your case. From Accident At Work Claims to complex comparative negligence arguments, our team is here to fight for the compensation you rightfully deserve.

DND Law
☎ Call: +44 02830264611
Email: newry@dndlaw.com
Website: www. dndlaw.com

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The firm aims to give its clients the benefit of long experience, which is considerable bearing in mind the fact that all of the partners have been in practice in Northern Ireland for over twenty or more years.

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