Road crossing injuries can have a serious impact on your life, affecting your health, mobility, and financial situation. If you have been injured while crossing the road in Jarrow, it is important to understand your rights and options for making a claim. Marley Solicitors is here to help you navigate the legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Understanding road crossing injuries
A road crossing injury occurs when a pedestrian is harmed while crossing a street, road, or junction. These injuries may result from collisions with vehicles such as cars, lorries, buses, or motorcycles. Common causes include drivers failing to give way at crossings, speeding, distracted driving, poor visibility, or inadequate road signage.
In Jarrow, busy roads and high pedestrian traffic increase the risk of such accidents. Whether the accident happened at a designated pedestrian crossing, a traffic light junction, or a less formal crossing point, you may be entitled to compensation if someone else’s negligence caused your injury.
Common types of injuries from road crossing accidents
The injuries sustained in road crossing accidents can range from minor to life-changing. Typical injuries include:
- Whiplash and soft tissue damage
- Broken bones and fractures
- Head injuries, including concussions and traumatic brain injury
- Spinal injuries leading to paralysis or restricted movement
- Cuts, bruises, and lacerations
- Psychological trauma, such as anxiety or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
The severity of your injury will affect the compensation amount you could receive. It is essential to have your injuries properly documented by a healthcare professional, such as your GP at a local practice or at South Tyneside District Hospital, which serves the Jarrow area.
When can you make a road crossing injury claim?
To make a successful claim, you must prove that another party was responsible for your injury. This typically means showing that a driver acted negligently or breached their duty of care towards you as a pedestrian. Examples of negligence might include:
- Failing to stop or slow down at pedestrian crossings
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Using a mobile phone or being distracted while driving
- Ignoring traffic signals or road signs
- Poor road maintenance or lack of proper signage that contributed to the accident
If you were partially at fault, you might still be able to claim compensation under the law of contributory negligence, but the amount you receive could be reduced based on your share of responsibility.
Steps to take after a road crossing accident in Jarrow
If you have been injured while crossing the road, it is important to take the following steps to protect your claim:
- Seek immediate medical attention – Visit your GP or the emergency department at South Tyneside District Hospital for a full check-up. Accurate medical records are vital for your claim.
- Report the accident – Notify the police if possible, and get a report number. This can be important evidence.
- Collect evidence – Take photographs of the accident scene, your injuries, and any damage to vehicles. Try to get contact details from witnesses.
- Keep records – Maintain a diary of how your injury affects your daily life and any expenses you incur, such as travel to hospital or lost wages.
- Contact a solicitor – Early legal advice can improve your chances of success and ensure you do not miss important deadlines.
Why choose Marley Solicitors for your claim in Jarrow?
At Marley Solicitors, we understand how overwhelming it can be to deal with the aftermath of a road crossing injury. Our experienced personal injury team specialises in pedestrian injury claims and provides expert advice tailored to your circumstances. We offer a no win, no fee service, so you can pursue your claim without worrying about upfront legal costs.
We work closely with local medical professionals and experts to gather evidence and assess your injuries thoroughly. Our goal is to maximise your compensation for pain, suffering, loss of income, and any ongoing care or rehabilitation you may need.
How much compensation can you expect?
The amount of compensation varies widely depending on the nature and severity of your injuries, how the accident happened, and its impact on your life. Typical awards cover:
- General damages for pain and suffering
- Special damages for financial losses, such as medical costs and lost income
- Future care and rehabilitation expenses if required
A specialist solicitor can give you a better estimate based on your unique case and comparable awards in the Jarrow area.
FAQs about road crossing injury claims in Jarrow
Can I claim for a road crossing injury if I was partly at fault?
Yes, you can still claim compensation if you were partly to blame. However, the amount you receive may be reduced based on your share of responsibility under contributory negligence rules.
How long do I have to make a claim for a road crossing injury in Jarrow?
In most cases, you have three years from the date of the accident to start a claim. It is best to seek advice as soon as possible to avoid missing deadlines.
If you have been injured while crossing the road in Jarrow, Marley Solicitors is ready to help. Contact us today for a free consultation and find out how our expert team can support you with your injury claim on a no win, no fee service basis.
