What Is the Average Settlement for a Pedestrian Hit by a Car?
If you were in a pedestrian accident with a motor vehicle, you could be eligible for financial compensation. The circumstances of each pedestrian accident differ, so it is difficult to determine what the average settlement is for a pedestrian hit by a car. You can consult an attorney to learn how much compensation you could recover in your case.
Settlement Amounts Can Vary
In cases where a vehicle hits a pedestrian, average settlement amounts are typically commensurate with suffering and loss. The more severe your losses, the more compensation you could recover. But even minor accidents could qualify for some form of compensation.
Suffering and Loss
Examples of suffering in pedestrian accidents that could result in financial compensation include but are not limited to:
- Financial losses from property damage, expensive medical bills, legal fees, lost income, and more
- The emotional trauma of suffering from a sudden, life-changing event
- Damages for a decrease in your quality of life
- Compensation for the loved ones of someone who lost their life tragically in a pedestrian accident
- Much more
Every accident is different, as are the effects of an accident on victims and loved ones. If you suffered any type of loss in a pedestrian accident, you could have a case. A lawyer near you can help you find out more about your options and what you can do next.
Proving Liability Is Important
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that nearly 2 million people in the U.S. get hurt in car accidents yearly. Many of these injuries result from pedestrians struck by vehicles.
After a pedestrian accident, victims could pursue justice and compensation by filing a claim with the liable party’s insurer or even their insurer. But filing a claim is only worthwhile if you can win your case. One important step toward winning a case is proving liability. Examples of liability in pedestrian accidents that could win in court include but are not limited to:
- Driving under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or impairing substances
- Mechanical failures, possibly due to a vehicle owner’s negligence in failing to address concerns or have their vehicle regularly inspected
- Driving in poor weather conditions, which can affect braking or visibility
- Running stop signs, red lights, failing to yield at pedestrian crosswalks, and other examples of breaking traffic law
- Speeding, which can decrease the time a driver has to react to pedestrians on or near the roadway
- Reckless driving
- Distracted driving
- Driver fatigue
- Inexperience
- Negligence
Hiring a Personal Injury Lawyer Could Help Your Case
If you decide to file an insurance claim or lawsuit after a pedestrian accident, consider the benefits of having a lawyer by your side, which include:
- Help filling out and filing legal paperwork, allowing you more free time to focus on your recovery
- Help plan for life after your accident by giving you a sense of how much you might recover
- Answer any questions you might have, which can be helpful if you are not familiar with the legal process
- Keep your case on track by tracking and meeting important deadlines
- Give you comfort and peace of mind knowing legal professionals are protecting your rights and interests
The Statute of Limitations in a Pedestrian Accident Case
Following the sudden trauma of a pedestrian accident, the most important thing you can do is address your physical and mental health. Nothing is more important than your well-being. However, as you recover, it could also be important to you to pursue justice, possibly by filing a lawsuit and recovering compensation to cover your loss while holding responsible parties accountable.
If you decide to file an injury lawsuit in civil court, you have a limited time to submit your paperwork and initiate the process. This is because of the statute of limitations, a law that governs the time you have to file an injury case after an accident.
A lawyer can help you better understand how long you have to act. They can additionally help you gain a sense of the settlement you could receive in a pedestrian accident case. They also can help you manage your expectations about the settlement process in pedestrian accidents, including how long it could take.
Call Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers Today After a Pedestrian Accident
Being an accident victim can change your life. During a dark time in your life, remember that there is light at the end of the tunnel. Laborde and Earles Injury Lawyers is here to guide you. Our team has a blend of experience, a long track record, and dedication to every client.
If you are searching for a legal team that can help, we are ready to hear from you. We can help you understand your legal options and assist with filing the action that makes sense for your case. Call us today for a free consultation.