Pedestrian Accident Claims*

When you’re walking along minding your own business and suddenly find yourself struck by a car, it’s not just the shock or the injury that stays with you. It’s the fact that someone, somewhere, was careless and you were the one who paid the price. Maybe they were rushing, distracted, or simply didn’t look. But now you’re the one with the hospital bills, the lost time, and the questions.

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Two workers in hi-vis helping an injured colleague lying on a building site

At Crimmins Howard Solicitors, we know what that feels like because we’ve seen it too many times. We’ve worked with parents hit outside schools, older people injured at pedestrian crossings, and local workers knocked down on their way home. These aren’t just legal cases to us. They’re neighbours, families, people trying to get back on their feet after something that should never have happened.

You do not need to know where to start. That’s our job. We’ll explain everything in plain English, handle the paperwork, and stand by you until it’s sorted.

If you were injured as a pedestrian and it was not your fault, speak to Crimmins Howard today. We’ll help you find your footing again, one step at a time.

Injured While Walking? You Still Have Rights

Getting struck by a vehicle while walking is one of the most vulnerable situations anyone can face. Whether it happened while crossing at a pedestrian light, stepping out of a shopfront, or passing through a busy car park, you were entitled to be safe. When that trust in road users is broken, the fallout can be physical, emotional, and deeply unfair.

Many people who have been hit as pedestrians wonder whether they can actually bring a claim. You might be unsure if the driver stayed at the scene. You may not know exactly what happened or feel hesitant about making it official. But here’s what you need to know: if you were injured as a result of someone else’s carelessness, you have every right to seek justice and support.

Pedestrian claims in Ireland are not just for catastrophic events. Broken bones, soft tissue injuries, even psychological distress like anxiety or sleep problems can all have a lasting impact on your life. You do not need to prove that your life has been ruined to show that it has been disrupted.

At Crimmins Howard Solicitors, we often speak to clients who downplay their own experience because they feel they should “just get on with it.” We believe your pain deserves to be recognised. We will listen carefully, offer practical advice, and guide you through your options without pressure or jargon.

No one walks away from a collision completely untouched. If it happened to you or someone close to you, do not stay silent. The earlier you speak to a solicitor, the better your chances of building a clear, fair claim.

You are not asking for special treatment. You are asking for what is fair. Let us help you get it.

What Counts as a Pedestrian Accident? Understanding the Real-world Risks

Pedestrian accidents do not always happen the way people expect. It is not just about being hit on a busy road. These incidents can happen in quiet estates, narrow rural lanes, supermarket car parks, and even near your own driveway. What matters is that someone acted carelessly and you were the one left injured as a result.

A pedestrian accident occurs when a person on foot is struck, obstructed or harmed by a vehicle, a cyclist, or a dangerous space that should have been made safe. These accidents often involve cars, vans, lorries or e-scooters, but they can also result from poor pavement conditions, faulty bollards or badly marked crossings.

Some of the most common causes include:

A driver failing to yield at a crossing or junction
Vehicles reversing without checking mirrors or blind spots
Turning into side roads without watching for people on foot
Speeding or driving too fast for the road or weather
Using a mobile phone while driving
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
Poor visibility or inadequate lighting in shared spaces
Dangerous footpaths or kerbs left in poor repair by a local authority

In many cases, the pedestrian has little or no warning. They might be doing something as routine as walking the dog, crossing near a school or stepping out of a shop. When an accident happens, it can feel sudden and overwhelming, but that does not mean it was unavoidable.

If your injury occurred in a situation where a driver, cyclist or authority failed in their duty to keep people safe, you may be entitled to bring a claim. It does not need to be a dramatic collision to be taken seriously.

At Crimmins Howard Solicitors, we look at the full picture. We will help you determine who may be at fault and what your next step should be.

Common Injuries Sustained in Pedestrian Accidents

Pedestrians are vulnerable. With no seatbelt or protective frame, even a slow-moving impact can cause serious harm. While each case is different, there are patterns in the types of injuries people often suffer after being struck by a vehicle or caught in a pedestrian hazard.

Some injuries are immediately visible. Others might take time to develop. At Crimmins Howard Solicitors, we understand both the obvious trauma and the hidden effects that come with being injured on foot.

Common physical injuries include:

Broken bones such as fractured legs, arms, ribs or collarbones
Soft tissue injuries including bruising, sprains and torn ligaments
Head injuries ranging from mild concussion to brain trauma
Spinal injuries which can affect movement or cause long-term discomfort
Facial injuries and dental damage from falling onto a hard surface
Cuts, lacerations and road rash caused by contact with a rough or sharp object

But not all injuries can be seen on a scan. Being involved in a pedestrian accident can leave lasting psychological scars. You might feel anxious crossing the road, find it difficult to sleep or avoid certain places. These emotional effects are very real and very common.

In more severe cases, people are left with permanent mobility problems, nerve damage or chronic pain. Some need walking aids, home adjustments or long-term care. For families, the consequences can affect daily routines, work, and quality of life.

Our job is not just to list your injuries. It is to understand how they have affected your life and to make sure that is reflected in the outcome of your case. When you work with Crimmins Howard Solicitors, you will be listened to and treated as a person, not a claim number.

What to Do Immediately After a Pedestrian Accident

In the moments after a pedestrian accident, everything can feel overwhelming. Whether you were walking to the shop, crossing at a light, or simply out for fresh air, being hit or hurt on foot is a shock to the system. What you do next, however, can have a major impact on your recovery and your ability to claim.

The first step is always your health. If you are seriously injured, call an ambulance or ask someone to call for you. Even if you feel fine, see a doctor as soon as you can. Some injuries do not show up straight away, especially head, neck or back injuries.

Once you are safe, take these practical steps if you are able:

Report the incident to the Gardaí
Record the registration number of any vehicle involved
Take photos of the scene, your injuries and anything else relevant
Get contact details for any witnesses
Hold on to your shoes, clothes or other items damaged in the incident
Keep receipts for any medical expenses or transport costs
Avoid speaking to insurance companies before getting advice

If the driver leaves the scene, do not put yourself in danger trying to stop them. Try to note anything you remember about the vehicle, such as colour, make, direction of travel, or any partial registration. Inform the Gardaí immediately.

If your accident involved a bicycle, scooter or other road user without a motor, the process may differ slightly, but you still have rights. We can help you figure out the best way forward based on your specific situation.

You do not need to have done everything perfectly in order to claim. The important thing is to speak to someone as soon as possible. At Crimmins Howard Solicitors, we will help you piece together the timeline, explain your options in plain language, and make sure your story is heard.

Who Can Make a Pedestrian Accident Claim and When

If you were injured as a pedestrian because of someone else’s actions, you may have a right to compensation. These claims are not limited to drivers hitting people on crossings. They cover a wide range of real-life situations that happen every day in towns, villages and cities across Ireland.

You may be able to claim if you were:

Hit by a car while crossing the road
Knocked down by a motorbike or van
Involved in a collision at a roundabout or junction
Struck on the footpath by a reversing vehicle
Injured by a cyclist or e scooter
Hurt while walking in a car park or residential area
A child injured while walking to school or playing
A person with reduced mobility affected by a poorly managed traffic situation

Claims can be brought by adults on their own behalf or, in the case of children, by a parent or guardian. If the injured person is unable to manage their affairs due to the severity of their injuries, a trusted relative or carer may act on their behalf.

The timeframe for making a pedestrian accident claim in Ireland is usually two years. This is counted either from the date of the accident or from the date you became aware of the seriousness of your injuries. For children, the two year clock does not start ticking until their eighteenth birthday.

Because delays can lead to lost evidence or blurred memories, it is always better to act sooner rather than later. We can help you determine if your accident qualifies, and we will explain your rights in plain terms.

What Compensation Can Be Claimed in Pedestrian Accident Cases

Every pedestrian accident claim is different, but most claims will fall into two categories of compensation: general damages and special damages. These cover both the harm you have suffered and the knock-on effects it has had on your day-to-day life.

General damages may include:

Pain and suffering, including physical discomfort, psychological trauma and emotional distress
Loss of quality of life, such as being unable to exercise, socialise or carry out daily routines
Long-term impact of injuries, including permanent scarring, disfigurement or reduced mobility

Special damages may include:

Medical expenses, both current and future, including consultations, treatment, surgery and rehabilitation
Loss of earnings if you have missed work due to your injuries
Future loss of income if you cannot return to your previous job
Travel costs to and from appointments or therapy
Equipment or modifications needed at home for your recovery
Costs of care or home assistance where applicable

If your accident has affected a child or a person with additional needs, compensation can also cover educational disruption, long-term care plans and additional therapy costs.

The exact amount you may be entitled to will depend on the seriousness of the injuries, how they affect your life, and the supporting medical evidence available. At Crimmins Howard Solicitors, we take the time to get a full picture of your needs so that nothing is missed. We work closely with medical professionals, financial experts and rehabilitation specialists where required to make sure your claim reflects the real impact of the accident.

You will never be rushed, and you will never be left in the dark. Our role is to ensure that what happened to you is fairly addressed and that your claim is managed with care, clarity and respect from start to finish.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make a claim if I was jaywalking at the time of the accident?

Yes, you may still have a valid claim even if you were not using a designated crossing. However, your level of responsibility may be considered under contributory negligence. This could reduce the final award, but it does not automatically disqualify you from bringing a case.

What if I was injured by an electric scooter or e-bike?

Accidents involving electric scooters and similar devices are increasingly common. If the rider was careless or broke traffic laws, you may be able to bring a claim against them or their insurer. Speak to a solicitor to assess your options.

Can I claim if I was hurt while helping someone else at the scene?

Yes. If you were injured while acting in good faith as a bystander or first responder, and the incident was caused by someone else’s negligence, you may still be entitled to compensation.

What if the driver who hit me was uninsured?

In cases where the driver was uninsured or fled the scene, you can still pursue compensation through the Motor Insurers’ Bureau of Ireland. This process has its own set of requirements, so early legal advice is key.

Will I need to attend court for a pedestrian accident claim?

Not necessarily. Many claims are resolved through the Injuries Resolution Board or settled out of court. However, if a dispute arises, court proceedings may be required. Your solicitor will keep you informed every step of the way.

How is the value of my pedestrian claim calculated?

The value is based on the seriousness of your injuries, recovery time, impact on your lifestyle and any financial losses. Medical reports, receipts and expert assessments will all play a role in determining your award.

What if I did not report the accident to the Gardaí straight away?

While it is always best to report an accident as soon as possible, delays do not automatically bar you from claiming. Still, you should make a report at the earliest opportunity and retain any records of medical treatment or witnesses.

Can I claim on behalf of my child who was injured in a pedestrian accident?

Yes. Parents or legal guardians can bring a claim on behalf of a minor. The court may also need to approve any settlement through an infant ruling. All awards for children are held in trust until they reach the age of 18.

How long does a pedestrian accident claim usually take?

Timeframes vary depending on the complexity of the case and whether liability is disputed. Straightforward claims may be resolved within a year, while others may take longer. Your solicitor will keep you updated at each stage.

Is there any cost if my pedestrian claim is not successful?

At Crimmins Howard Solicitors, we offer a clear and transparent approach to fees from the outset. While we cannot guarantee the outcome of a claim, we ensure you fully understand any cost exposure before proceeding.

Speak to a Solicitor Who Listens

If you or someone close to you has been injured as a pedestrian, do not face it alone. Crimmins Howard Solicitors will guide you through every step with honesty, care and experience. We are ready to listen, explain your options clearly and act in your best interests. Reach out today for a confidential consultation.