Average Payout for Pedestrian Hit by Car in California

Pedestrians are a commonality in San Bernardino, especially in the central business district and other busy areas of the city. Unfortunately, they have very little protection when they are struck by a moving vehicle. Even collisions involving a pedestrian that occur at relatively low speeds can result in life-changing injuries. Recovering from a San Bernardino pedestrian accident often involves receiving emergency treatment, undergoing surgery, participating in rehabilitation, missing work, and enduring long-term medical care. These financial and personal losses that many pedestrian accident victims experience quickly become overwhelming for them and their families. Many people who have been injured as pedestrians look for an average settlement for a pedestrian hit by a car because they want a better understanding of what their claim may be worth. While average settlement values can provide general information, every pedestrian accident claim is different, and no two cases have the same settlement amount. Various facts in the case all play a role in determining compensation, which is why it’s important to have a skilled and dedicated pedestrian accident lawyer to assist with evaluating a claim. At Personal Injury Lawyer & Car Accident Gold Firm, we represent injured pedestrians throughout San Bernardino and the surrounding communities. Our legal team works diligently to recover compensation for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and other damages our client experienced so they can focus on healing instead of dealing with insurance companies.

Average Settlement for Pedestrian Hit by Car

The amount of compensation you get for a car accident settlement in California varies based on the unique circumstances of each situation and the severity of your injuries. Based on our own settlement data, the average car accident payout is between $100,000 and $1,000,000. This range for the average settlement for a pedestrian hit by a car in San Bernardino should only be viewed as a general reference, as each case is different. There is no fixed number that universally applies to every pedestrian accident. Some claims resolve for relatively modest amounts when injuries heal quickly, while others may involve settlements or jury verdicts worth hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars because of permanent disabilities, catastrophic injuries, or punitive damages. When calculating the full value of a pedestrian hit by a car settlement in San Bernardino, several factors may be considered:

• The severity of your injuries
• The cost of current and future medical treatment
• Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
• Permanent disability or disfigurement
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Property damage
• Insurance policy limits
• Whether multiple parties share liability

A settlement should be calculated to reflect the full impact the accident has had on your life rather than simply reimbursing your immediate medical bills.

Broken Bones

Fractures to the legs, hips, arms, ribs, and pelvis frequently occur when a pedestrian is hit by a motor vehicle. Some fractures require surgery, metal hardware, and months of rehabilitation to recuperate properly, and this often means they must take time away from work.

Traumatic Brain Injuries

A pedestrian may strike the windshield, hood, or even the pavement during the accident. Traumatic brain injuries can range from mild concussions to severe injuries that require lifelong care or may even cause death.

Spinal Cord Injuries

Damage to the spinal cord may lead to a pedestrian accident victim experiencing chronic pain, reduced mobility, or permanent paralysis. These injuries often require significant future medical expenses and ongoing therapy.

Internal Injuries

Damage to internal organs or internal bleeding caused by the accident may not always be immediately obvious. Emergency surgery and hospitalization are common in severe pedestrian accidents in San Bernardino.

Soft Tissue Injuries

Common soft tissue injuries include sprains, torn ligaments, muscle injuries, and tendon damage, which may still require extensive physical therapy even when broken bones are not present. The more significant the injuries and their lasting effects are after a pedestrian accident, the greater the value of a claim may become.

What Can Increase a Pedestrian Hit by Car Settlement?

Several things may increase the value of a pedestrian hit by a car settlement beyond medical expenses alone.

• Permanent Disabilities – Permanent disabilities often increase compensation because they affect a person’s ability to return to work, perform daily activities, and enjoy life. Long-term medical treatment, future surgeries, rehabilitation, and assistive devices may also be included when calculating damages.
• Lost Earning Capacity – Lost earning capacity refers to a victim’s inability to return to their career or may have to choose a career that pays less. This can play a significant part in a claim if they are unable to return to their previous job because of permanent limitations.
• Pain & Suffering – Pain and suffering damages may also represent a substantial portion of many settlements. Physical pain, emotional trauma, anxiety, depression, and loss of enjoyment of life are all losses that may be considered under California law.
• Strong Evidence – Strong evidence can also improve the outcome of a pedestrian accident claim. Various forms of evidence that can be beneficial include:
  • Police reports
  • Witness statements
  • Surveillance footage
  • Photographs
  • Medical records
  • Testimony from medical or financial professionals

How Comparative Negligence May Affect a Pedestrian Accident Claim

California follows a comparative negligence system when it comes to pedestrian, bicycle, and car accident claims. This means that more than one party can share responsibility for causing an accident. In some instances, a driver may have been speeding while a pedestrian crossed the street outside of a marked crosswalk. If both parties contributed to causing the collision, compensation may be reduced based on each person’s assigned percentage of fault. Insurance companies often attempt to shift liability onto injured pedestrians in an effort to reduce what they have to pay. They may argue that the pedestrian was distracted, crossed unexpectedly, or failed to obey traffic signals. A thorough investigation by a pedestrian accident lawyer from our team may uncover evidence that supports our client’s version of events. Beneficial evidence can include:

• Surveillance video
• Accident reconstruction
• Witness testimony
• Vehicle data
• Roadway conditions

Damages That May Be Included in the Average Payout for Pedestrian Hit by Car Claims

Compensation for pedestrian accidents in San Bernardino may include both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages generally include things that can easily be assigned a dollar amount for financial losses, such as:

• Emergency medical treatment
• Hospital stays
• Surgery
• Physical therapy
• Prescription medications
• Future medical care
• Lost wages
• Loss of future earning capacity
• Medical equipment
• Home modifications when needed

Non-economic damages are harder to assign a specific dollar amount, and may include:

• Physical pain
• Emotional suffering
• Mental anguish
• Permanent disability
• Disfigurement
• Loss of enjoyment of life

In cases involving fatal pedestrian accidents, surviving family members may also have the right to file a wrongful death claim under California law to pursue compensation.

How Our San Bernardino Pedestrian Accident Lawyers Can Help

Recovering from a pedestrian accident can be physically, emotionally, and financially difficult for many victims. While you focus on medical treatment and healing from your injuries, insurance companies may already be working to reduce or deny your claim. Although the average payout for pedestrian hit by car claims can provide an idea of what is involved, the value of your case depends on your specific injuries, financial losses, and other circumstances. At Personal Injury Lawyer & Car Accident Gold Firm, we proudly represent injured pedestrians throughout San Bernardino and the surrounding communities. Our team of pedestrian accident lawyers near you handles every stage of the claims process, including:

• Investigating the accident
• Gathering evidence
• Obtaining medical documentation
• Calculating the full extent of your damages
• Communicating with insurance companies
• Negotiating for fair compensation

If a reasonable settlement cannot be reached, we are always prepared to pursue your case through litigation when it is appropriate. We work hard to recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages that are related to your pedestrian accident in San Bernardino. Rather than relying on general settlement averages, we focus on pursuing compensation that reflects the full impact your injuries have had on your life, both now and in the future. If you have been struck by a vehicle in San Bernardino, our legal team is ready to protect your rights and fight for the financial recovery you deserve.