Six-Figure Settlement for Pedestrian Struck at Zebra Crossing

Eloise Mears

Eloise Mears, a personal injury solicitor at Osbornes Law, recently secured a six-figure settlement for her client, Mr S, following a serious pedestrian accident. The settlement covered his injuries, financial losses, and future treatment — achieved without the need for court proceedings.

What happened?

Mr S was crossing the road at a marked zebra crossing when a driver failed to stop, striking him at speed. The impact was severe: Mr S was thrown onto the car’s windscreen before being propelled 10 to 15 feet along the road.

At the scene, the driver admitted to police that he had been distracted by his wing mirror and had not seen Mr S on the crossing. That admission would prove significant in the legal process that followed.

What injuries did Mr S Suffer?

The collision left Mr S with multiple serious injuries:

• Fractured scapula (shoulder blade injury)
• Ligament damage to his ankle
• Multiple rib fractures
• Collapsed lung
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• A potential brain injury, with ongoing headaches and dizziness

The combined effect of these injuries left Mr S unable to work, causing immediate financial hardship on top of the physical and psychological trauma of the accident.

How did Eloise approach the claim?

Mr S contacted Osbornes Law shortly after the accident and instructed Eloise Mears to pursue his road traffic accident claim.

Eloise moved quickly. She submitted the claim to the driver’s insurer, and within two weeks had secured both a formal admission of legal liability and an offer to fund private rehabilitation for Mr S. She worked with the insurer under the Serious Injury Guide, a voluntary protocol that promotes co-operation between claimant solicitors and insurers to deliver better outcomes for seriously injured people.

Within two months of Mr S instructing Osbornes, Eloise secured an interim payment from the insurer — a sum paid in advance of settlement to ease the financial pressure on clients who cannot work while their claim progresses.

What rehabilitation did Mr S receive?

A rehabilitation case manager was appointed to carry out a needs assessment. Funding was secured for:

• Private physiotherapy to support Mr S’s physical recovery
• Psychological therapy to address his PTSD

This early access to specialist treatment made a significant difference. Private rehabilitation after injury allowed Mr S to make meaningful progress in his recovery while the legal case was still ongoing — rather than waiting months or years for NHS appointments.

How was the settlement value established?

Early in the claim, the insurance company made an offer of £75,000. This tactic — presenting an early offer before comprehensive medical evidence has been gathered — is common, and is designed to pressure injured people into settling before they understand the true value of their serious injury claim.

Eloise instructed specialist barrister Gemma Scott of 12KBW Chambers, who advised Mr S to reject the offer and wait for full expert evidence. That advice proved correct.

Given the concern about a possible brain injury, Eloise arranged for Mr S to undergo brain scans and see a consultant neurologist. Fortunately, the neurologist confirmed that Mr S had not sustained a serious brain injury — but establishing this with certainty was essential before any settlement could be reached.

Eloise also obtained expert reports from:

• Two specialist orthopaedic surgeons
• A respiratory consultant
• A psychiatrist
• A neurologist

Together, these reports built a complete picture of Mr S’s injuries, his recovery trajectory, and any long-term prognosis — the foundation of a properly valued claim.

What was the outcome?

Through careful negotiation, Eloise secured a six-figure settlement for Mr S — well above the insurer’s initial offer — without the need for court proceedings.

The settlement provided:

• Financial security to replace lost income
• Funding for any further private treatment Mr S may need in the future
• Compensation for his pain, suffering, and the impact on his daily life

Mr S said:

“Eloise was first class and super helpful throughout the whole process. She explained everything from start to finish, carried out everything necessary for my case when promised, and her communication throughout was great. She generally made a stressful event much more manageable.”

How we can help

If you or a family member has been injured as a pedestrian — whether at a crossing, on a pavement, or anywhere else on the road — you may be entitled to significant compensation.

Eloise Mears is ranked as a Key Lawyer in the Legal 500 and is an APIL Accredited Litigator. She specialises in complex serious injury claims, including those involving brain injuries, and is committed to securing early rehabilitation and interim financial support for her clients wherever possible.

Osbornes Law’s personal injury team handles claims on a no win, no fee basis, so you won’t pay anything unless your claim succeeds.

Contact us by calling 020 7485 8811 or filling in our online enquiry form.