Child Pedestrian Accident – How to claim

When out and about, children are at a high risk of being involved in a road traffic accident by getting hit by a car. Parents worry daily about the well-being of their children, especially when they are out with their friends or commuting to and from school. Drivers should be always wary to make sure that they are careful, especially on roads where children are more likely to be present. Whilst parents may put all their efforts into educating their children on road rules, trying to keep them safe when out and about, children do not have the knowledge as drivers. 1 in 5 children that are killed in road traffic accidents is pedestrians.

How are children pedestrians injured on the roads?

Child pedestrians can be hurt on the road in many ways; drivers’ negligent behaviour on the roads can be the most common cause of child pedestrian accidents in the UK. Other common causes of child pedestrian accidents include:

• Back over accidents – which is when the driver is backing out of a road or driveway and does not pay attention to the children that may be behind them. Drivers should always check all around, including their blind spots before reversing or manoeuvring their car.
• Driving whilst distracted – when drivers drive whilst distracted, it means that they will pay less attention to the road and pose a larger threat to child pedestrians on the road. A common distraction is driving whilst using a mobile phone.
• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, causing them to drive negligently and dangerously. People who drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs tend to have slower reaction times, meaning that if they see a hazard on the road, they are less likely to stop in time.
• Driving over the speed limit – Speed limits are put in place for pedestrians and vulnerable road users in busier areas, when speed limits are broken, it is harder to stop in time.
• Driving negligently in school zones – lower speed limits are put in place by temporary signs during the times that children are more likely to be present walking to and from school. Around schools, the speed limit may be as low a 10pmh to keep child pedestrians safe.
• Accidents are also likely to happen in rural areas where there may be no pavements available, which can be risky to child pedestrians.
• Crossings can be dangerous to children, especially crossings without lights.

If your child has been involved in any sort of accident, it can be an extremely traumatising and stressful experience for any parent and their child. We advise that claiming a child is different from claiming as an adult. Contact our solicitors and we will help you to claim on behalf of your child.

Claiming as a parent or guardian for your child

The process for claiming a child can be a little bit different to claiming as an adult. A child will require a parent or guardian to represent their case, this is known as a litigation friend. The parent or guardian has until the child becomes an adult to make a claim. After that, the claim can be made by the child, they have three years since becoming an adult to make a claim. If you would like to find out more, read here.

Contact our solicitors now!

We know the process thoroughly and can offer free consultations to see how much compensation you may get for your case.

Contact us now. Solicitors On Your Side Scotland can offer you free advice and consultations. Our solicitors can help you on a no win-no fee basis. That means there will be no hidden fees.

Contact us today by phoning 0141 648 4428, emailing [email protected], or by using our website by filling out an online form.

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