Pedestrian Accident Claims
- Pedestrian Accident Claims – What You Need to Know
- What Should I Do First?
- Do I Have a Viable Claims Case?
- What is the Claims Process?
- How Long Does it Take to Settle a Claim?
- What is the Total Cost? – No Win No Fee
- How Much Compensation Will I Get?
- What Should I Do if the Third Party Insurance Company Offers Early Compensation?
- How to Prevent Pedestrian Accidents
- Pedestrian Accident Claims
- Contact Us
Pedestrian accident claims are on the rise in Scotland. This increase in pedestrian accidents can be attributed to a number of factors. Drivers and pedestrians are more distracted than ever before and as a result of this, more than 25,000 pedestrians were injured in road accidents in 2012 alone. This number has steadily increased since then and in 2014, Transport Minister Derek Mackay was quoted advocating a revised 20 mph limit guidance through towns and cities to help reduce the number of pedestrian accidents occurring across Scotland.
If you have been injured by a motor vehicle, you may be entitled to compensation. Interestingly, we often hear from clients who feel as though that it may have been them that was at fault. However, the law is on your side and there is a very high standard expected from drivers. We usually find it’s the driver that is liable. In a minority of cases, it might be found that you contributed towards your injuries, however, that does not mean that you will not be able to make a successful claim. It just means that your compensation may be reduced to take account of this.
Every pedestrian accident is slightly different and our trained specialists approach each claim in a professional and respectful manner. Pedestrian accidents can be incredibly stressful, especially when serious injury is involved. You could be denied the ability to work and because of this, you could suffer large financial losses during your recovery. Sadly, being hit by a car can be life changing and, in some cases, can result in the death of a loved one. We promise to deal with your claim sensitively and with total respect.
Pedestrian Accident Claims – What You Need to Know
Our world-class claims specialists know how to navigate Scotland’s legal system to provide you with the most valuable information in a timely manner. Here are some of the most common questions asked by clients while considering filing a pedestrian accident claim.
What Should I Do First?
If you have been struck by a motor vehicle, you are going to want to speak with a claims specialist as quickly as possible. Every second counts in a pedestrian accident claims case. Our friendly and professional staff are here to help guide you through the entire process from start to finish.
Do I Have a Viable Claims Case?
This question must be answered first in order to determine if your case is worth pursuing. You should always seek independent advice. If you contact us then we can carry out a brief assessment of your case. As a general rule, speaking to the third party insurance company directly could result in you obtaining less compensation. Our claim specialists understand what factors are important in determining the success of your pedestrian accident claim and we undertake to give you an honest and transparent overview of the hurdles your case could encounter.
What is the Claims Process?
You will be ready to begin the claims process after you have spoken with one of our claim specialists and have concluded that you wish to claim compensation for your injuries and losses. This process begins with a detailed review of everything that occurred, as well as a detailed note of your injuries. This information is vital in helping to determine the amount of compensation you are eligible to receive. Next, your claim specialist will guide you through the process and stages and will advise on the most effective strategy for maximum compensation.
At this point, the other parties will be contacted. If they accept responsibility for the accident, you will then be medically examined and compensation negotiations will begin. However, if they deny responsibility, you will proceed to court to ensure you get the compensation you deserve. Your case will be dealt with by one of our firms and they will be able to give you with full and frank legal advice on your prospects of success.
How Long Does it Take to Settle a Claim?
Each case must be looked at on an individual basis. Some cases can be concluded in a very short period of time while others, dependant on the circumstances, can take considerably longer. If your case is straight forward, you can expect a settlement within around three months. If your case is complicated or there is a dispute with regards to who should be liable then it can take longer to resolve.
What is the Total Cost? – No Win No Fee
Our “no win, no fee” policy helps to eliminate any risk on your part. In the rare scenario that we are unable to secure compensation for you, we will waive our fees.
How Much Compensation Will I Get?
Every pedestrian accident claim is unique. Each case is based on its own circumstances. These details must be examined in depth to determine the total amount of compensation you are entitled to seek. Your compensation will be based on the length of your recovery and the extent of your injuries. We will, therefore, rely on the opinion of an expert medical consultant and negotiate compensation with the third party insurance company from there.
What Should I Do if the Third Party Insurance Company Offers Early Compensation?
Offers made directly from the third party insurance company can be significantly lower than the amount of compensation that you may be entitled to receive. Insurance companies will often try to take advantage of your lack of understanding and not pay you all of the compensation that you would ordinarily receive. If you accept a claim in full and final settlement then there is no going back. Do not fall victim to these tactics. Our claims advisors work on your behalf to get you the maximum claims compensation you deserve.
How to Prevent Pedestrian Accidents
The best advice is to be diligent! If it was not your fault then there may have been little that could have been done to prevent the accident taking place. Keep your eyes peeled and be careful Sadly, large amounts of pedestrian accidents involve children. Keeping a good eye on your young ones can be a great way to reduce their risk. Using traffic crossings and islands are another great strategy that can reduce the chances of you or your loved ones becoming involved in a pedestrian accident. If possible, you should avoid using your phone or headphones while crossing the street. These items impair your ability to hear and therefore reduce your situational awareness.
Pedestrian Accident Claims
We hope that you now have a better understanding of what constitutes a pedestrian accident claim. If you have been hit by a motor vehicle then contact us today and one of our specialists will help guide you through the pedestrian accident claims process.
Contact Us
Contact us to start the claims process today.