Zebra crossing accident claim

Blanca Diego Casas

Pedestrian hit by car on zebra crossing settles for £20,000

Blanca Diego, Solicitor in the Osbornes Personal Injury Department, recently settled a personal injury claim for a Spanish client who sustained injuries whilst walking to work. Our client was on a pedestrian crossing when a car, being driven on the wrong side of the road, suddenly crashed into her. The impact was completely unexpected. As a result, our client landed on the ground hitting the right hand side of her body and head.

Due to the accident, our client sustained post concussional syndrome, a laceration of the scalp, soft tissue injuries affecting the right leg, right hip, right lower back, chest, abdomen and neck as well as psychological trauma.

Our client was unable to work for two months due to the impact of her injuries. Even after returning, she could only manage reduced hours as she struggled with ongoing pain and fatigue. Everyday tasks that had once been second nature—carrying shopping, using public transport, or doing household chores—became much harder. She also lost a level of fitness, making it difficult to regain her strength. As a result, she often had to rely on family and friends for help with anything physically demanding, from lifting heavy items to managing more strenuous tasks at home and work.

The case settled for £20,000.

Who is at fault when a car hits a pedestrian on a zebra crossing?

The Highway Code says drivers must give way to a pedestrian who has moved onto a zebra crossing, and should give way to pedestrians waiting to cross (rule 195). A driver who hits a pedestrian already on the crossing has not followed that rule, which counts strongly against them when fault is decided.

Pedestrians have duties too. The Highway Code tells pedestrians to give traffic plenty of time to see them and stop before they start to cross, and reminds them that traffic does not have to stop until someone has moved onto the crossing (rule 19). If a court decides you stepped out without giving the driver time to stop, your compensation can be reduced to reflect your share of the blame.

What compensation can you claim after a zebra crossing accident?

You can claim for the injury itself and for the losses it causes, such as lost earnings, treatment and travel costs, and care or help from family and friends. The amount depends on your injuries and how long they affect you. In the case above, a pedestrian with post-concussional syndrome, a scalp laceration, soft tissue injuries and psychological trauma, who was off work for two months and then on reduced hours, received £20,000.

How long do you have to make a zebra crossing accident claim?

You normally have three years from the date of the accident, or from the date you first knew your injury was caused by it if that is later (Limitation Act 1980, section 11). Different rules apply to children and to people who lack mental capacity, so please ask us if that affects you.

What should you do after an accident on a zebra crossing?

• Get medical attention and keep a record of your injuries and treatment.
• Report the accident to the police.
• Take photographs of the crossing and note the location, and get the names and contact details of any witnesses.
• Ask quickly for any CCTV or dashcam footage, because recordings are usually kept for only a limited time.
• Keep a record of time off work and any costs the accident causes.

If the driver did not stop, see our guide to pedestrian accident claims, which covers hit and run accidents.

Have you been injured on a zebra crossing?

Osbornes Law has a proven track record of securing compensation for injured pedestrians, cyclists, and road users. Our expert personal injury team, including Blanca Diego, is dedicated to supporting you.

If you’ve been injured on a zebra crossing, call 0207 485 8811 or complete our online enquiry form to speak with a specialist today.