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Home » What Is the Average Settlement for a Pedestrian Hit by a Car in the UK?

What Is the Average Settlement for a Pedestrian Hit by a Car in the UK?

If you have been hit by a car while walking, it can be a frightening and life-changing experience. Beyond the physical pain, you may also be dealing with shock, anxiety, time off work, and unexpected expenses. A very common question people ask in this situation is: what is the average settlement for a pedestrian hit by a car?

The honest answer is that there is no fixed or guaranteed settlement amount. Every pedestrian accident claim is different. However, UK personal injury law does provide a clear framework for how compensation is calculated. This guide explains everything you need to know in simple terms, so you understand where you stand and what you may be entitled to claim.

Why There Is No Fixed “Average” Settlement

You might see figures online suggesting an “average” payout, but these can be misleading. Compensation is not based on averages. Instead, it is calculated based on your individual circumstances.

Two pedestrians may be hit by cars in similar accidents but receive very different settlements. This is because factors such as the seriousness of the injury, length of recovery, impact on work, and long-term effects all play a role.

Instead of focusing on averages, it is far more helpful to understand how compensation is worked out and what influences the final amount.

How Pedestrian Compensation Is Calculated in the UK

If your claim is successful, compensation is usually split into two parts, known as “heads of loss”:

  1. General damages
  2. Special damages

Understanding these is key to knowing what your settlement might include.

General Damages – Compensation for Your Injury

General damages cover the physical and psychological impact of being hit by a car. This includes:

  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress
  • Anxiety, shock, or post-traumatic stress
  • Loss of enjoyment of daily life
  • Long-term or permanent disability

To assess this, medical evidence is essential. You may be asked to attend an independent medical examination so a detailed report can be prepared.

Legal professionals often refer to the Judicial College Guidelines, which provide guideline compensation ranges for different injuries. These are not guarantees, but they help ensure awards are fair and consistent.

Examples of Injuries and Guideline Compensation

A pedestrian hit by a car may suffer injuries such as:

  • Multiple severe injuries (including ongoing financial losses): awards can reach £1,000,000+ in serious cases
  • Paralysis (tetraplegia) affecting both the upper and lower body: £396,000 to £493,000
  • Very severe brain injury with major physical and cognitive impairment: £344,000 to £493,000
  • Moderate brain injury causing permanent personality and intellectual changes: £183,000 to £267,000
  • Severe neck or spinal injury leading to permanent mobility issues: £181,000 or more
  • Serious arm or shoulder injury, such as nerve damage: £117,000 to £159,000
  • Broken or fractured limbs, depending on severity: from £8,000 upwards

The final figure depends on how serious the injury is and how it affects your daily life.

Special Damages – Covering Your Financial Losses

Special damages compensate you for money you have lost or will lose because of the accident. These losses can be just as important as compensation for the injury itself.

You may be able to claim for:

  • Loss of earnings if you cannot work
  • Reduced future earning capacity
  • Medical expenses and rehabilitation costs
  • Prescription charges
  • Travel expenses to hospital or GP appointments
  • Care costs, including help from professionals or family
  • Home adaptations, such as wheelchair access

If your injuries are serious and long-term, special damages can make up a large part of your settlement.

Evidence Is Essential

You will usually need proof such as payslips, invoices, receipts, or bank statements. Without evidence, these losses may not be reimbursed, even if they are genuine.

Were You Eligible to Make a Pedestrian Accident Claim?

You can usually claim compensation if the accident happened because someone else was careless.

To succeed, three things must be shown:

  1. The driver owed you a duty of care
  2. They breached that duty (for example, by speeding or not paying attention)
  3. That breach caused your injury

All road users owe a duty of care to each other. Drivers must follow the Road Traffic Act 1988 and the Highway Code to keep others safe.

If a driver failed to do so and you were injured as a result, you may be eligible to claim.

Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents

Pedestrian accidents can happen in many ways, but they are often caused by driver negligence. Common examples include:

  • Drivers failing to stop at zebra or pedestrian crossings
  • Speeding or reckless driving
  • Drunk or drug-affected driving
  • Drivers distracted by mobile phones
  • Vehicles not stopping at red lights
  • Drivers reversing without checking mirrors

Even if the driver did not intend to cause harm, they may still be legally responsible.

What If You Were Partly to Blame?

You can still claim compensation even if you were partially responsible for the accident. This is known as contributory negligence.

For example:

  • If you stepped into the road without looking but the driver was speeding
  • If you crossed outside a crossing but the driver was distracted

Your compensation may be reduced by a percentage to reflect your share of the blame. If you were found 25% responsible, your compensation would be reduced by 25%.

Time Limits for Making a Claim

In most cases, you have three years from the date of the accident to begin a claim.

There are important exceptions:

  • Children under 18 – the time limit does not start until their 18th birthday
  • Lack of mental capacity – the time limit may be paused unless and until capacity is regained

It is always best to seek legal advice as soon as possible so your claim is not put at risk.

Evidence That Can Support Your Claim

Strong evidence can make a significant difference to the success of your claim.

Useful evidence includes:

  • Medical records and hospital reports
  • Photographs of injuries and the accident scene
  • CCTV or dash cam footage
  • Witness contact details and statements
  • A personal diary describing symptoms and recovery
  • Police reports, if available

If you work with a solicitor, they can help collect and organise this evidence for you.

Can You Claim on Behalf of a Child?

Yes. If a child has been hit by a car, a litigation friend (usually a parent or guardian) can bring a claim on their behalf.

Any compensation is normally held by the court until the child turns 18, unless funds are needed earlier for medical care or rehabilitation.

Why Many People Choose No Win No Fee Claims

Many pedestrians worry about legal costs. That is why many claims are handled under a No Win No Fee agreement.

This means:

  • You usually do not pay legal fees upfront
  • If the claim is unsuccessful, you generally do not pay solicitor fees
  • If successful, a capped fee is taken from your compensation

This arrangement reduces financial risk and makes legal help accessible.

Final Thoughts: Focus on Recovery, Not Just Figures

After being hit by a car, your priority is your health and recovery. While it is natural to want to know the average settlement, what truly matters is whether you are properly compensated for your injuries and losses.

Every claim is personal. The law aims to put you back, as far as possible, into the position you would have been in if the accident had never happened.

If you were injured as a pedestrian and the accident was not your fault, you may have a valid claim. Understanding how compensation works can help you make informed decisions and move forward with confidence.