Being hit by a vehicle while walking is not only traumatic; it can be life-altering. Pedestrian accidents often cause serious injuries ranging from broken bones to head trauma, aswell as the legal, emotional, and financial consequences can last for years.
A pedestrian accident claim is a legal process where someone injured while walking seeks compensation for their pain, suffering, and financial losses caused by a driver or third party. If you were not at fault, you may be eligible to claim compensation regardless of whether the incident occurred at a zebra crossing, on a residential street, or near a school zone.
In a smaller Wiltshire town like Melksham, pedestrian accidents often happen in high-footfall areas like High Street, the A365 junction, near King George V Park, or around the Spa Road and Bath Road junctions. These locations see a mix of cars, lorries, and school traffic, with poor visibility and tight bends frequently contributing to incidents.
At Marley Solicitors, we help injured pedestrians in Melksham secure justice with expert legal support on a no win, no fee basis. We know the local roads, we understand the dangers, and we fight to get you the compensation you’re entitled to.
What should I do if I’m injured while walking in Melksham?
Here’s what you should do if you’re involved in a pedestrian accident:
- Get medical help immediately Melksham Community Hospital or your nearest GP surgery can assess and document your injuries
- Call the police and ensure the accident is officially recorded
- Collect contact details for any witnesses, and try to obtain the driver’s details
- Take photos or videos of the accident location, any damage, and your injuries
- Keep medical records, receipts, and proof of expenses
- Speak to a solicitor as soon as possible for free advice on making a pedestrian claim
The earlier you act, the stronger your claim will be – especially if CCTV footage or witnesses can support your case.
Can I claim compensation for a pedestrian accident in Melksham?
Yes. If someone else was at fault for your injury – for example, a driver who failed to stop, reversed into you in a car park, or ignored a pedestrian crossing – you may be entitled to compensation. This is true even in cases where the driver was uninsured or fled the scene.
Marley Solicitors will investigate liability, collect the right evidence, and handle your claim from start to finish. And with our no win, no fee service, you don’t pay a penny unless we win your case.
How is compensation for pedestrian accidents calculated?
The amount you can claim depends on several factors, including:
- Severity of your injury – e.g. broken bones vs. spinal trauma
- Length of recovery time
- Loss of earnings if you couldn’t work
- Medical and care expenses (past and future)
- Impact on your mental health, relationships, and quality of life
We may also claim for:
- Travel costs for medical appointments
- Adaptations to your home
- Loss of future earning capacity
- Emotional distress or PTSD
Our goal is to make sure every penny of your suffering, inconvenience, and financial loss is accounted for.
Common pedestrian accident scenarios in Melksham
Melksham may be smaller than nearby towns, but it has its fair share of high-risk areas. Accidents often happen in:
- Supermarket car parks (Waitrose, Aldi, or Sainsbury’s) – where drivers reverse without checking for pedestrians
- School run zones – particularly around Melksham Oak Community School
- Near bus stops – where people step off the kerb and into traffic
- High Street junctions – congested, low-visibility areas with high foot traffic
- Spa Road and Semington Road – where speeding and narrow pavements increase risks
We’ve handled claims for clients hit while walking to work, taking children to school, crossing legally at a zebra crossing, or simply standing at a pavement edge.
Common causes of pedestrian injury in road accidents
- Drivers failing to stop at crossings
- Vehicles mounting the kerb
- Speeding in 20 mph zones
- Distracted drivers using mobile phones
- Drink or drug driving
- Poor road signage or inadequate lighting
Sometimes local authorities may also be liable, for example, if traffic signals malfunctioned or pavement maintenance was neglected.
Typical pedestrian injuries we handle
- Head injuries, including concussions and brain trauma
- Broken bones and fractures (legs, arms, ribs)
- Spinal cord damage and nerve injuries
- Severe cuts and lacerations
- Whiplash and soft tissue injuries
- PTSD, anxiety and sleep disorders
These injuries can lead to long recovery times and permanent lifestyle changes. Our legal team works to make sure your compensation reflects both short and long term consequences.
How the pedestrian claim process works
Here’s what to expect:
- Free consultation – We listen to your story and assess your case
- Evidence collection – We gather medical reports, witness statements, police records, and CCTV footage
- Letter of claim – We formally notify the other side (often the driver’s insurer)
- Negotiation – We push for maximum settlement for your losses and suffering
- Payout – If successful, your compensation is paid directly to you
Throughout the process, Marley Solicitors handles everything for you, all on a no win, no fee basis. That means you pay nothing upfront and owe us nothing unless we win.
What if the driver didn’t stop?
You can still claim. In hit-and-run or uninsured driver cases, we make the claim through the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB), a government-backed body designed to compensate innocent victims. Our team has experience with MIB claims and can handle everything on your behalf.
What if I was partly at fault?
Even if you were partially responsible – for example, crossing without looking – you may still be eligible for partial compensation. The court will apply a percentage of blame (called contributory negligence), and your compensation may be adjusted accordingly.
How long do I have to start a pedestrian accident claim?
In most cases, you have three years from the date of the accident to start your claim. There are exceptions:
- Children – Claims can be brought at any time before their 18th birthday, after which they have three years
- Mental incapacity – No time limit applies while the person lacks capacity to make legal decisions
It’s best to start your claim as soon as possible while evidence is still fresh.
Real example – Pedestrian claim in Melksham
A local resident was seriously injured after being hit by a car while crossing the road near King George V Park during a low-light evening. The driver had been speeding and failed to see them in time. Our team at Marley Solicitors helped them secure over £48,000 in compensation for their broken pelvis, lost income, and trauma. Their recovery took over 10 months – but their financial burden didn’t.
Why choose Marley Solicitors for your Melksham pedestrian injury claim?
- Decades of legal experience with personal injury and road traffic accidents
- Specialist knowledge of Melksham roads, infrastructure, and local case law
- Trusted by residents across Wiltshire
- Clear, honest advice from start to finish
- 100% no win, no fee guarantee – you pay nothing unless we win
We don’t just take on your case, we take on your fight for justice. You focus on your recovery. We handle the rest.
FAQs
How much can I receive for a whiplash injury in Melksham?
Depending on severity and recovery time, whiplash payouts range from £3,000 to £10,000. If it impacts your daily life, your payout could be even higher.
Can I claim if I wasn’t taken to hospital immediately?
Yes. As long as you sought medical treatment and can show proof of injury, you can still make a claim. We often see people go to their GP a few days later – that won’t stop your case.
What does “no win, no fee” mean in a pedestrian claim?
It means you pay nothing unless we win. There are no upfront fees. If we succeed, our fee is taken from your final compensation – and we’ll explain that clearly from the start.
Start your pedestrian accident claim in Melksham today
If you’ve been injured while walking in Melksham; whether near a crossing, car park or residential road – you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. Marley Solicitors offers expert legal support with no financial risk.
Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation. Let us help you claim the compensation you deserve with zero stress and full confidence. Your recovery matters, and so does your right to justice.
