If you were hit by a vehicle while it was reversing, working out what happens next isn’t always straightforward. These incidents often occur in places like car parks, driveways, shopping centres or work areas, where people don’t look when manoeuvring, space is tight and visibility is limited.
This article looks at how fault is usually assessed, what steps matter early on, what evidence can help, and what options may be available if the driver didn’t stop or wasn’t insured.
Why reversing accidents can cause serious pedestrian injuries
Reversing collisions can happen even at low speed because drivers might have blind spots, limited space to manoeuvre, or distractions in busy areas. Poor lighting, tight parking bays, and people walking between vehicles can make it harder to spot you in time. Higher-risk places include car parks, residential driveways, and loading areas where larger vehicles may be moving in and out.
Who is usually at fault when a vehicle is reversing?
In many situations, the driver reversing is likely to be responsible, because reversing safely usually means checking properly and only moving when it’s clear. That said, fault depends on exactly what happened and what can be proven with evidence.
If the driver didn’t check blind spots, reversed too quickly, or kept reversing when it wasn’t safe, they might be liable.
When the driver might be responsible
A driver might be at fault if they:
- Reverse out of a parking bay without checking properly
- Reverse off a driveway into a road or pavement when it isn’t clear
- Reverse in a busy area without keeping a proper lookout
- Move too quickly for the space and conditions
- Fail to stop in time after seeing a pedestrian
Can it ever be partly the pedestrian’s fault?
Sometimes responsibility can be shared. This is often called contributory negligence, which simply means you might be found partly responsible for what happened. For example, if you stepped out from behind a parked vehicle with no time for a driver to react, or walked through an area clearly marked for vehicles only, it could affect the outcome. Importantly, shared blame doesn’t automatically mean you can’t claim.
Does it matter if it happened in a car park?
You might still be able to claim if you were hit in a car park. These cases often come down to evidence, because there might not be clear road markings or independent reports. CCTV from shops, car park operators, and witness details can make a big difference when establishing what happened.
If you were hit at work by a reversing vehicle
If you were hit while working, like in a yard, depot, warehouse, or loading area, it might be treated as a work accident claim, even if the vehicle was a work van, lorry, or similar.
Employers are generally expected to manage vehicle and pedestrian risks, like safe traffic routes, training, and separating people from moving vehicles where possible.
What to do after being hit by a reversing vehicle
If you’re in pain, it’s okay to focus on getting help first. When you can, these steps may help protect your health and your options:
- Seek medical help and keep records of symptoms
- Exchange details with the driver and note the vehicle registration
- Take photos/video of the scene, signage, lighting, and the vehicle position
- Collect witness details
- Ask about CCTV/dashcam quickly
- Report it appropriately
- Keep receipts and notes for travel, medication, and time off work
What evidence helps prove a reversing accident pedestrian claim?
Evidence can make things much clearer during claims. Helpful evidence often includes CCTV, dashcam footage, witness statements, photos of the scene, incident reports, and your medical notes. If it happened at work, there might also be internal documents like an accident report or training records. A solicitor can advise what’s relevant and how to request it.
What if the driver didn’t stop or had no insurance?
You might still have options if it was a hit-and-run or the driver was uninsured. The most important thing is to report what happened and preserve any evidence. In some situations, claims can be made through the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB). This is a UK organisation that helps deal with certain uninsured and untraced driver claims. We can explain what may apply to you.
Time limits for starting a claim
In many personal injury cases, you usually have three years to start a claim. There are exceptions, including claims involving children, and situations where someone lacks mental capacity. Because time limits can be complicated and depend on the details, it’s a good idea to seek advice sooner rather than later.
How no win, no fee works with Injury Lawyers 4u
With no win, no fee, you don’t pay anything upfront, and you’ll be told clearly how costs work before you start. Terms apply.
On your first call, we’ll typically ask when and where the accident happened, what injuries you have, what treatment you’ve had, and what evidence is available. We keep it clear, compassionate and credible, so you always know where you stand.
Get in touch
Being hit by a reversing vehicle can turn a normal day into something stressful and painful. But you might have options, especially if the driver didn’t take proper care, or if your workplace didn’t manage reversing risks safely. The next steps you take, and the evidence you gather, can really matter.
If you’re ready to talk, our friendly team is here to help you understand your options with clear advice and no legal jargon. Get in touch with us to begin.
Pedestrian injury FAQs
Is the driver always at fault if they hit you while reversing?
In many cases the reversing driver might be responsible because they’re expected to check carefully and only move when it’s safe. It depends on what happened and what can be proven using evidence like CCTV, witnesses, and photos.
Can you claim if it happened in a car park?
Car parks can be tricky because there’s often less formal reporting and unclear layouts, so evidence matters. If there’s CCTV, witnesses, or photos showing vehicle position and signage, that can help.
What if you were partly to blame?
If responsibility is shared, it might reduce compensation rather than stop a claim completely. This is sometimes called contributory negligence. A solicitor can look at the facts and explain how shared blame might affect your case.
What if the driver drove off?
Report it as soon as you can and gather evidence. You might still be able to claim even if the driver can’t be traced. In some cases, the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB) can handle certain hit-and-run claims.
What if the vehicle was a work vehicle and it happened at work?
You might have a work accident claim if poor systems, training, or workplace layout contributed. Employers are generally expected to manage vehicle and pedestrian risks. The right route depends on the facts, including where it happened and who was responsible.
How long do you have to start a claim?
Often, the time limit is three years from the date of the accident, but exceptions can apply for children and people who lack mental capacity. Because deadlines can be complicated, it’s best to get advice early to protect your position.