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What is the Average Settlement for a Pedestrian Hit by a Car

What is the Average Settlement for a Pedestrian Hit by a Car?

July 18, 2022

Trusted Personal Injury Lawyers

Pedestrian safety remains a very serious concern in our region. The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) reports there were 8,117 confirmed pedestrian collisions in the state in 2020. Of these crashes, more than 7,000 (86%) resulted in harm to the pedestrian. 1,265 pedestrians suffered “incapacitating injuries” and 715 were killed in crashes in Florida in 2020 alone. If you were hurt in a pedestrian crash, you need justice and financial compensation.

This raises an important question: What is the average settlement for a pedestrian hit by a car? The short answer is that there is no true ‘average’—the value of a pedestrian accident claim varies widely based on the severity of the resulting injuries. Injured victims deserve compensation for the full value of their actual damages. Here, our Fort Lauderdale car accident lawyer provides a more comprehensive overview of the key things to know about pedestrian accident settlements.

What are the Most Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Fort Lauderdale?

Pedestrian collisions can happen for many different reasons. Every pedestrian accident in Florida requires a comprehensive, thorough investigation and evaluation to determine exactly what happened and why it happened. That being said, many pedestrian crashes share an important common characteristic: Proper safety precautions were not taken. Pedestrian accidents are avoidable with due care. Here are some of the most common causes of pedestrian collisions in Florida:

Average Settlement for a Pedestrian Hit by a Car

Five Safety Tips for Pedestrians in Fort Lauderdale

As a pedestrian, you are owed a duty of care by motorists. All drivers have a responsibility to look out for your safety. Unfortunately, the reality is that far too many motorists fail to live up to that duty, so it is crucial that you look out for your own safety. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) stresses the importance of pedestrians using safe practices when in or near roadways. Here are five actionable pedestrian safety tips:  

What is the Average Settlement for a Pedestrian Hit by a Car in Fort Lauderdale?

The most important thing to know about pedestrian accident compensation in Florida is that the “average settlement” is not a very useful metric. Florida law is clear: Injured pedestrians have the right to seek compensation for the full value of their damages. You may have an initial claim for medical bills through your own no-fault Personal Injury Protection (PIP) policy. Though, any pedestrian who suffers a severe injury has the right to file a fault-based personal injury lawsuit against the responsible driver, truck company, or other party. A proper settlement for a pedestrian accident should include compensation for the complete value of your damages. You can divide damages into two broad categories:  

How Much Will My Medical Bills be After a Pedestrian Accident in Fort Lauderdale?

The amount of medical bills that you can expect after a pedestrian accident depends on the nature and severity of your injuries. It is no secret that medical care is expensive, and these costs can quickly add up. A single emergency room visit can cost several thousand dollars. An overnight hospital stay can quickly add up to tens of thousands of dollars in medical bills. No matter the circumstances of your case, an experienced Fort Lauderdale personal injury lawyer can help you take action to maximize your recovery for medical bills.

What Other Costs are Associated With Pedestrian Collisions in Fort Lauderdale?

Medical bills are not the only costs associated with a pedestrian accident. You may be wondering how much you can sue for after a pedestrian collision, but the answer depends on the total scope of your damages. Your emergency medical costs (ambulance fees, emergency room care, etc) make up your initial claim. From there, you can also bring a claim for other hospital and medical bills. Beyond your medical bills, other damages that can be associated with a pedestrian accident include:  

Who is Liable in a Pedestrian Crash in Florida?

Florida is a pure comparative fault state for motor vehicle collisions, including pedestrian accidents. Under Florida Statutes § 768.81, liability for a pedestrian crash will be apportioned in a manner consistent with each party’s level of fault. It is important to understand how this works, because a car accident settlement can be delayed due to a dispute over fault and liability.   Under the comparative negligence system, each party whose careless, reckless, or otherwise improper conduct contributed to the pedestrian crash can be held legally liable for their share of the fault. How do you know who caused the accident? It should be investigated by an experienced South Florida pedestrian collision lawyer. An attorney will help you gather and organize the evidence.  

What Main Factors Will Affect My Pedestrian Accident Settlement in Fort Lauderdale?

Getting a full and fair settlement from the insurance company after a serious pedestrian crash can be challenging. There are actually a number of different factors—both legal and practical—that will affect your ability to recover financial compensation. Here are the four main things that will determine the value of your pedestrian accident settlement in Fort Lauderdale:

Do You Need a Lawyer to File a Pedestrian Accident Claim?

Pedestrian accident injury claims are notoriously complex, but you do not have to take on the defendant or an insurance company all alone. A Florida car accident lawyer can help with the following:

Every pedestrian accident injury claim should be prepared as if it is going to go to trial. While the vast majority of personal injury claims are settled outside of litigation, the simple reality is that insurers will not offer full and fair settlements to injured pedestrians unless they are convinced that they can be held legally liable in court.

Contact Us Today

If you or someone you know was severely injured in a pedestrian collision, we are more than ready to help, and we are known for fighting for the rights and interests of pedestrian accident victims throughout Florida. Call the experienced pedestrian accident attorneys now or contact us online to arrange a free, no obligation initial case review.

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