School run accident claims
Your child was hurt during the school run, and it is hard to think straight.
Yes, a child hurt during the school run can claim. This holds whether they were walking in, riding in a school van, or being dropped off by a parent. The at-fault driver’s insurer pays a valid claim for the injury, as it would for any road user.[1]
Picture seven in the morning, with the drop-off lane packed. A car reversing out of a parking spot clips a child stepping out of another vehicle. Everyone is rushing, and nobody thinks to note details.
What are the three common school run situations?
A child on foot near the school gate is treated like any pedestrian. A driver must take extra care where many children gather. Child pedestrian accident covers this in more depth.
A child in a school van or bus is a passenger. The at-fault driver’s insurer pays, whether that is another road user or the van itself if it was driven carelessly.[1]
A child dropped off by a parent and then hit by another vehicle is treated like any passenger claim.
What evidence can you realistically gather?
A short list usually helps most.
- The names of other parents or the school guard who saw it happen.
- CCTV footage from the gate or car park, requested the same day.
- Photographs of the scene once your child is safe and checked.
- The police report, lodged even for what feels like a minor bump.
Is there a deadline?
A child’s own claim generally does not start its clock until they turn 18.[2] That gives your family time to focus on recovery. Child road accident claim explains how this extended deadline works.
What if the school seems partly responsible?
Sometimes the layout of a drop-off zone, poor signage or weak supervision plays a part. This is separate from the driver’s negligence, and your child’s claim against the driver does not have to wait for it.
Raise it with the school as well, so another family does not face the same danger.
What should you do next?
Get your child checked, even for a knock that seems minor. Write a short note of what happened while it is fresh.
Collisions in school zones covers how fault is generally assessed on these busy stretches. If an insurer is disputing fault or pressing for a quick settlement, an independent lawyer can take the claim on for your child.
For the first contact, share general dates, location, case status and a short summary only. Keep documents private. Only after an identified lawyer or law firm contacts you and specifically asks for them should you provide that identified lawyer or firm with the accident date, where it happened, your child’s injuries, and the police report if you have one.
Need a lawyer to handle your injury claim?
For people seeking legal representation. For general information, please use our guides and tools.
Common questions
My child was hit crossing near the school gate. Who pays?
The at-fault driver's insurer pays a valid claim for your child's injuries, whether the car belonged to another parent or a passing driver. A school nearby does not change who is responsible, though it supports that the driver should have taken extra care.
My child was hurt inside the school van when it braked suddenly. Does that count?
It can. If another vehicle caused the van to brake or collide, your child is a passenger and the at-fault driver's insurer is responsible.[1] If the van was driven carelessly, the van's own insurer may be responsible.
It happened so fast at drop-off, I did not get a clear look. Is that a problem?
It makes evidence harder to gather. Other parents, the school guard or CCTV at the gate can often fill in details you missed. Ask around the same day if you can.
Is there a rush to sort this out while my child is still young?
Not urgently. A child's own claim generally does not start its clock until they turn 18, so there is time to focus on recovery first.[2] Gathering evidence and records now still helps.
Sources
- Road Transport Act 1987, s.91 (Ministry of Transport) (accessed 2026-09-22)
- Thomas Philip, on s.24 Limitation Act 1953 (disability) (accessed 2026-09-22)
Need a lawyer to handle your injury claim?
For people seeking legal representation. For general information, please use our guides and tools.