Accidents involving pedestrians

Pedestrian accidents are one of the most common types of traffic incidents in Serbia and represent a significant public safety issue.
According to data from the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Serbia, approximately 33,000 traffic accidents occur in the country each year.
As reported by Automoto Revija, there were 125 pedestrian fatalities in 2022, 134 in 2023, and 112 in 2024. This is a considerable number, accounting for around 25% of all traffic-related deaths.

Nearly half of these accidents occurred under the influence of alcohol. Pedestrians are among the most vulnerable road users. They move through traffic without any protection, surrounded by fast-moving cars, motorcycles, bicycles, and trucks.

If you are involved in a pedestrian accident, we strongly recommend contacting a lawyer who can help you get the compensation you are rightfully entitled to. Insurance companies aim to spend as little on you as possible. They may offer you the bare minimum – or in some cases, nothing at all.
It’s important to understand that insurance companies are not obligated to pay you anything voluntarily.
A traffic accident doesn’t just involve covering car repair costs. It also includes medical expenses, physical therapy, loss of earnings while dealing with the case, and more.

What to do if you're involved in a pedestrian accident:
Pedestrian accidents are sometimes fatal. If you're involved in a pedestrian accident in the Republic of Serbia, here’s what you should do:
Call 194. By calling 194, you ensure that medical assistance is on its way if needed. Even if no one is injured, the dispatchers will at least send the police to investigate the accident.
Exchange of information. While waiting for the police or medical assistance, make sure to exchange information with all parties involved.
Take photographs. Photos are crucial for building a successful case. Without photographs, it will be difficult to prove what happened. If you are unable to take photos yourself, try to ask a witness or someone nearby to take them for you.
Give your statement and never apologize. Tell the truth to the police in as much detail as possible. This will help them understand what happened and why. Remember: in an accident, an apology is considered an admission of guilt, which could undermine everything your attorney and insurance can do to help you.

Obtain a medical report. A medical report outlining your injuries, prognosis, and treatment plan will give your attorney a clear idea of the compensation required for your recovery process. This includes physical therapy, surgery, medical examinations, loss of quality of life, and more.
Obtain a police report. The police report is a crucial document that can clarify what happened at the scene. It also includes the names of everyone involved in the accident and a list of witnesses to contact. The report will contain your statement, the other party’s statement, and the police’s conclusion about what occurred.

By following these steps after an accident, you will gather a clear record of what happened at the scene. This information can significantly help your case. Don’t worry if you’re physically unable to complete these steps yourself. At the Gotovac Law Firm, we’ll be happy to collect the necessary reports for building your case. Just keep in mind that if you’ve sustained serious injuries, the case may take longer to build, and obtaining reports can take several months.

Common injuries in pedestrian accidents:
Pedestrian accidents are no minor matter. A pedestrian may face far more serious injuries than someone involved in a standard car accident. In some cases, pedestrian accidents are catastrophic or result in death. These injuries include:
Spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, internal organ damage, torn or sprained ligaments, fractures, deep lacerations, nerve damage, broken bones, and death caused by negligence.

Many of these injuries are caused by distracted driving or driving under the influence of alcohol. In other instances, the pedestrian may have suddenly run into traffic.

If you or someone you know has been involved in a pedestrian accident and needs legal assistance, contact the Gotovac Law Firm in Belgrade immediately. Consultations are free of charge.

Gotovac Law Firm, a family-run practice, has decades of experience in legal practice and the field of indemnity. We are deeply familiar with the legal nuances that can help you obtain the compensation you deserve.

Reach out to our office for the legal guidance you need to prove your case in court. Don’t let unscrupulous insurance companies or pseudo-legal agencies take advantage of you. Let us fight on your behalf, so you can focus on your recovery.