Make A Zebra Crossing Accident Claim
If you have been injured while using a zebra crossing, we could help you claim compensation
£85 million in compensation
Make A Zebra Crossing Accident Claim
If you have been injured while using a zebra crossing, we could help you claim compensation
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How Our No Win No Fee Personal Injury Solicitors Can Help You
If you’ve suffered an injury in a zebra crossing accident, JF Law is here to help you understand your rights and guide you through the process of making a personal injury claim.
Throughout this guide, we clarify when and how you can start a zebra crossing accident claim, detailing the necessary steps to pursue compensation effectively.
We outline the types of evidence that could strengthen your personal injury claim and highlight the duty of care drivers and pedestrians owe each other at pedestrian crossings. A
Our specialist solicitors offer a supportive No Win No Fee service, ensuring you receive expert legal representation without financial risk. We provide a free initial consultation for all pedestrian accident claims and can set out your next steps towards securing compensation.
To begin your journey with JF Law, you can:
Call our friendly team directly on 0151 375 9916.
Request expert advice instantly via our live chat service.
Contact us online, and we will promptly arrange a convenient callback.
Continue reading to gain essential knowledge on zebra crossing accidents, or reach out to our team anytime with your questions—we’re always ready to help.
What Is A Zebra Crossing?
A zebra crossing is a type of pedestrian crossing marked by distinctive white stripes painted on the road surface.
It provides pedestrians with a safer place to cross and clearly indicates where drivers must yield to foot traffic.
In England and Wales, zebra crossings are identified by flashing amber beacons known as Belisha beacons. Zebra crossings (have marking) distinctive white stripes.
Zebra Crossing Rules and Laws
Zebra crossings in England and Wales are regulated by both the Highway Code and the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984, which together establish clear legal obligations for road users. Rule 195 of the Highway Code states that drivers must give way when a pedestrian has moved onto the crossing. It also instructs drivers to slow down and prepare to stop when someone is waiting to cross.
Who Has Right Of Way At A Zebra Crossing?
Legally, pedestrians have the right of way at zebra crossings. This right is not conditional upon already being on the crossing—if a pedestrian is waiting at the edge with clear intent to cross, drivers are expected to yield and allow them to proceed safely.
However, the law also applies a test of reasonableness. A driver must be given enough time and distance to stop safely. If a pedestrian suddenly steps into the road too close to a moving vehicle, liability might be shared, or in some cases, rest with the pedestrian. That said, if a pedestrian is already on the crossing, the law is clear: the motorist must stop.
What Happens If You Get Hit On A Zebra Crossing?
If you are hit by a vehicle while using a zebra crossing, you could be entitled to claim compensation for your injuries and any related financial losses.
Drivers have a legal duty to approach zebra crossings cautiously and must give way to pedestrians.
If a driver breaches this duty—such as by failing to stop, speeding, or driving without sufficient care—and causes injury, they may be liable for damages.
Claims typically cover medical expenses, loss of earnings, rehabilitation costs, and compensation for pain and suffering.
By law, the driver should stop if you’ve been struck. If they fail to do so they could be guilty of a criminal offence.
Can I Make A Zebra Crossing Accident Claim?
A road user’s duty of care can be upheld by following guidance from the Highway Code and the Road Traffic Act 1988. The duty placed on them is to navigate the roads in a way that prevents harm or damage to themselves and others.
The Highway Code states that pedestrians are vulnerable road users and they require extra care. Additionally, there are specific rules about different pedestrian crossings, including zebra crossings.
Rule H2 states drivers must give way to pedestrians on zebra crossings and that pedestrians have priority when on a zebra crossing. Rule 19 explains that pedestrians must allow traffic ample time to see you and stop before using the crossing.
If a pedestrian is hit while on a zebra crossing, a personal injury claim might be possible if:
- A driver owed the pedestrian a duty of care when the accident occurred.
- A breach of this duty occurred.
- As a result of the breach, the pedestrian sustained injuries.
If you would like more information on zebra crossing accident claims, please use the number above to contact us.
How Do I Prove That The Driver Was Responsible?
Not all zebra crossing accidents will form the basis of a valid claim. You must prove the accident happened as a result of a breach of duty and that you sustained harm as a result. As such, when making a pedestrian accident claim against the driver, you should gather evidence to strengthen your case.
Here are a few examples of evidence that could strengthen your zebra crossing accident claim:
- Contact information for anybody who witnessed the incident. They could be called on later to give a statement.
- Details of any medical treatment you needed. This could be backed up by copies of your medical records.
- CCTV or dashcam recordings of the accident.
- A police reference number, if applicable.
- Photographs of your visible injuries and the accident scene.
If your claim is valid, one of our personal injury solicitors may agree to represent you. As part of their service, they can help you build up a strong body of evidence for your compensation claim.
For further information on making a pedestrian accident claim, call and speak with an advisor on the number above.
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What Could Cause A Zebra Crossing Accident?
Zebra crossing accident claims could be possible if you were hit while using a zebra crossing because a driver breached their duty of care and caused you injury.
Examples of zebra crossing accidents include:
- A driver failed to stop at a zebra crossing because they were distracted while using their phone. As a result, a pedestrian was hit and suffered a severe neck injury.
- Where a pedestrian was hit by a public transport vehicle and injured because the driver was talking to a passenger instead of concentrating on the road. As a result, the pedestrian suffered severe brain damage.
- A car hit a pedestrian and caused them to suffer a life-changing injury, such as paralysis, because the vehicle was being driven above the speed limit.
- A pedestrian suffered serious injuries after being hit on a zebra crossing by a drunk driver.
Our team of advisors are here to help if you’ve got any questions about claiming pedestrian accident injury compensation so please feel free to call them.
How Much Compensation Could I Get For My Zebra Crossing Accident Claim?
The overall payout you’re awarded in a zebra crossing accident claim that has a successful outcome will vary from case to case. The first head of loss that may form part of any settlement awarded in a successful case is called general damages. It covers any pain and suffering endured as a result of the injury.
To understand the extent of your suffering, you’ll need to be assessed independently by a medical professional. You won’t have to arrange this yourself.
The report that follows from the assessment can be used alongside a document called the Judicial College Guidelines (JCG) to help value your injuries. The JCG contains compensation guidelines for a range of injuries.
The figures in our compensation table and our compensation calculator both use JCG figures. However, please remember that the amounts listed are not guaranteed settlement amounts. Also, the first entry is not from the JCG.
| Injury | Severity Level | Guideline Compensation Bracket |
|---|---|---|
| Multiple Severe Injuries and Financial Losses | Severe | Up to £350,000+ |
| Brain Damage | Moderate (i) | £183,190 to £267,340 |
| Leg | Severe (ii) Very Serious | £66,920 to £109,290 |
| Hand | Serious Damage to Both Hands | £68,070 to £103,200 |
| Neck | Severe (iii) | £55,500 to £68,330 |
| Elbow | Severe | £47,810 to £66,920 |
| Shoulder | Severe | £23,430 to £58,610 |
| Arm | Less Severe | £23,430 to £47,810 |
| Knee | Moderate (i) | £18,110 to £31,960 |
Can I Claim Back The Money I Lost Because Of My Injuries?
Special damages is another head of loss that could be included in your overall payout. It covers financial losses linked to your injuries. Therefore, if you make a successful zebra crossing accident claim, your settlement could cover:
- Medical expenses.
- Care and support costs.
- Lost earnings.
- Home modification costs.
- Travel expenses.
Any expenses you claim as part of a pedestrian accident compensation claim must be proven. Therefore, it’s a good idea to keep hold of any relevant documents, such as receipts, wage slips, and bank statements, as evidence.
For free advice on the potential value of your road traffic accident claim, please call today.
We pride ourselves
on providing the best service
possible for our clients.
We pride ourselves on providing the best service possible for our clients.
How JF Law Solicitors Can Help You
Making a personal injury claim can be easier if you’re represented by a specialist solicitor. If your claim is valid and accepted by a solicitor from our team, they’ll represent you on a No Win No Fee basis by working under a Conditional Fee Agreement (CFA).
Typically, the terms of a CFA mean, you:
- Don’t need to pay your solicitor upfront for their work or while they’re working on your case.
- Won’t have to cover the costs of your solicitor’s work if the claim is lost.
- Will have a success fee deducted from your compensation. Your solicitor will take this as a percentage that is legally capped.
To check if a No Win No Fee solicitor from our team could help you start your zebra crossing accident claim, you can:
- Speak to an advisor on 0151 375 9916.
- Ask for advice via live chat.
- Contact us online and we’ll call you back.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Below, you can find answers to some frequently asked questions on zebra crossing accident claims.
What Happens If You Hit Someone At A Zebra Crossing?
If you hit someone at a zebra crossing, you may face serious legal consequences.
Drivers involved in accidents at zebra crossings may be held liable if found negligent—for example, by speeding, failing to stop in time, or driving recklessly. Such incidents could lead to prosecution, resulting in penalty points, fines, driving bans, or even criminal charges.
Additionally, the injured pedestrian may pursue a compensation claim against the driver for their injuries and related losses.
Are Cyclists Allowed To Ride Through Zebra Crossings?
Cyclists are not permitted to ride across zebra crossings. Legally, zebra crossings are designed exclusively for pedestrians. If a cyclist wishes to use a zebra crossing, they must dismount and walk their bicycle across.
Cyclists who ride across could be found at fault if involved in an accident, affecting their rights in any personal injury claim.
Is It Illegal To Not Let Someone Cross At A Zebra Crossing?
Yes, it is illegal for drivers to refuse to stop for pedestrians at a zebra crossing. Under the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 and the Highway Code, drivers must give way to pedestrians who have stepped onto or who are clearly waiting to cross at the zebra crossing.
Drivers who fail to comply may face penalties, including fines, penalty points, or prosecution—especially if their failure to stop leads to an accident.
What Is The Difference Between A Pelican and Zebra Crossing?
The main difference between a pelican crossing and a zebra crossing is the use of traffic signals.
A zebra crossing uses distinctive black-and-white road markings and Belisha beacons but has no traffic lights, relying entirely on drivers giving way voluntarily.
In contrast, a pelican crossing is controlled by pedestrian-operated traffic lights. Pedestrians must press a button and wait for the pedestrian signal (a green figure) to indicate it is safe to cross. Traffic lights at pelican crossings clearly regulate when pedestrians and vehicles can move, making them suitable for busier roads or intersections.
Contact Us
Our helpline is open 24 hours a day, 7 days per week.
All calls are free and there’s no pressure whatsoever to proceed with a compensation claim.
If you write to us, we aim to respond within an hour or two, and no more than a few hours.
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