Road traffic accidents happen every day across Northern Ireland, but pedestrians are often the most vulnerable victims. Unlike drivers or passengers, pedestrians lack the protection of a vehicle, leaving them at high risk of serious injuries such as fractures, back injuries, spinal cord damage, or even brain injuries.
At Lacey Solicitors, leading car crash lawyers in Belfast, we routinely handle pedestrian injury claims and have successfully secured compensation for many victims. However, the statistics around pedestrian accidents in Northern Ireland remain alarming.
Pedestrian Accident Statistics in Northern Ireland
According to the PSNI, there were 4,753 car crashes in NI in 2024 resulting in 1,008 people killed or seriously injured (KSI). While drivers and passengers account for most fatalities, pedestrians consistently rank as one of the most affected groups. Those travelling on foot representing 14.9% of all KSI collisions. December is statistically the most dangerous month for pedestrians.
Although overall road traffic accidents have decreased by 22% since 2015/2016, pedestrians continue to face disproportionate risks.
Why Pedestrians Are at Disproportionate Risk
Pedestrian accident data recorded between 2019 and 2023 by the Department of Infrastructure show that pedestrians are disproportionately represented in the KSI statistics.
While pedestrians represented 14.9% of all fatalities in car accidents in NI in 2024, that percentage became 20% when taken over a five year period. The figure is disproportionate because those same statistics mention that pedestrians represent only 6% of all road miles travelled in the region.
This stark contrast shows that even though pedestrians spend far less time on the roads than drivers, their risk of serious injury or death is significantly higher. Simply walking home at night can put someone at risk of life-changing injuries – underscoring the critical need for pedestrian safety awareness.
What to do if you are hit by a car?
If you are involved in a pedestrian car accident:
- Ensure your safety – move to a secure location if possible.
- Seek immediate medical attention, even if injuries seem minor at first.
- Contact the police to report the incident.
- Consult a specialist car accident solicitor who can guide you through a compensation claim.
Pedestrian accidents can leave victims temporarily or permanently incapacitated. Legal advice from an experienced RTA solicitor ensures you understand your rights and helps you pursue financial recovery to support your physical and emotional rehabilitation.
Contact Lacey Solicitors, using our Online Portal to discuss your accident. Lacey Solicitors, with offices in Belfast and Dublin are respected as car accident specialists, for expert guidance on pedestrian injury claims.
[i]https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3256841/
[ii]https://www.psni.police.uk/sites/default/files/2025-03/2024%20Key%20Statistics%20report.pdf
[iii]https://www.infrastructure-ni.gov.uk/system/files/publications/infrastructure/pedestrian-ksi-casualties-in-northern-ireland-2019-2023.pdf
