What is a Pedestrian Accidents Claim?
A pedestrian accident claim is made when someone on foot is injured by a vehicle. Common situations include being struck on a pedestrian crossing, being hit by a vehicle mounting the pavement, being reversed into in a car park, and injuries at bus stops and petrol forecourts.
Am I Entitled to Claim?
Drivers owe pedestrians a high duty of care, especially around crossings, schools, and residential areas. You can claim if a driver failed to stop at a pedestrian crossing, failed to see you at a junction, mounted the pavement, reversed without looking, or drove while impaired. You do not need to be on a crossing to claim: drivers must be ready for pedestrians anywhere reasonable.
Step-by-Step Process
Call Ambulance
Pedestrian vehicle impacts can cause internal injuries. Accept an ambulance assessment.
Gardai Attend
Serious pedestrian injuries are investigated by Gardai. Get the investigating officer’s name.
Witnesses
Pedestrian accidents are usually witnessed. Secure contact details before bystanders disperse.
Medical Care
Attend A&E and follow up with your GP. Keep a diary of pain and functional limitations.
Contact Keans
Free consultation. We obtain Garda reports and commission accident reconstruction if needed.
Resolution
Most pedestrian claims resolve with the motorist’s insurer, through IRB or direct negotiation.
Evidence That Strengthens Your Claim
The stronger the evidence, the more straightforward the claim. Where possible, gather the following:
- The Garda Pulse reference number
- Photos of the scene, including any skid marks, crossings, or signage
- CCTV from shops, ATMs, buses, and petrol forecourts near the incident
- Names and phone numbers of witnesses
- Photos of injuries as soon as taken safely
- Hospital A&E records, ambulance reports, and follow-up specialist reports
- Any clothing or personal items damaged in the collision
Compensation Ranges
Based on the Judicial Council’s Personal Injury Guidelines 2021. Awards may also include special damages for lost earnings, medical costs, and future care needs. Exact value depends on your specific injury.
Frequently Asked Questions
Possibly, yes. Crossing outside a designated pedestrian crossing does not automatically bar your claim. The driver still has a duty to drive carefully and be ready for foreseeable pedestrians. Your compensation may be reduced for contributory negligence but not eliminated.
Report to Gardai immediately. The Motor Insurers Bureau of Ireland (MIBI) handles untraced driver claims provided the incident was reported within two days. We handle MIBI applications and the evidence requirements for untraced cases.
Technically it is a public liability claim because car parks are private property, but the practical process is similar. The driver’s motor insurance generally covers it. We identify the correct respondent and submit the right application.
Yes. A parent or legal guardian acts as "next friend" for any child under 18. The two-year limitation period does not begin running until the child’s 18th birthday, though it is usually advisable to bring the claim sooner.
Two years from the date of the accident or the date you first became aware of the injury. Certain exceptions apply for minors and cases involving delayed discovery, but the two-year limit is the default. Miss it and your claim is statute barred, so contact a solicitor early.
No. The initial consultation at Keans is free. For personal injury cases we discuss all fees in writing before work begins. In contentious business, Irish law prevents solicitors from calculating fees as a percentage of your award or settlement.