Pedestrian accidents often lead to severe injuries, emotional distress, and substantial financial burdens. Victims may face mounting medical expenses, lost income, and prolonged suffering. In such cases, pursuing a pedestrian accident lawsuit becomes essential to recover compensation. Below are five notable pedestrian accident settlements that underscore the importance of legal representation in securing fair compensation.
1. $148 Million Verdict: O’Hare Airport Shelter Collapse
In August 2015, 24-year-old Tierney Darden suffered life-altering injuries when a pedestrian shelter at Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport collapsed during a storm. The incident left her paralyzed from the waist down, leading to extensive medical treatment and permanent disability. Darden filed a personal injury lawsuit against the City of Chicago, alleging negligence in maintaining the shelter. In 2017, a jury awarded her $148 million, marking one of the largest pedestrian accident settlements in Illinois. This case highlights the critical role of gathering evidence and holding negligent parties accountable to recover compensation for severe injuries.
Source: NBC 5 Chicago
2. $13.5 Million Settlement: Pedestrian Struck by Company Vehicle
A pedestrian accident case in Suffolk County, New York, involved a pedestrian hit by a company-owned vehicle. The victim sustained severe injuries, including multiple surgeries and extensive rehabilitation. The pedestrian accident lawsuit alleged that the driver’s negligence led to the accident. After a four-week trial, while the jury was deliberating, the parties reached a settlement of $13.5 million. This substantial settlement amount underscores the importance of pursuing personal injury claims to cover medical bills, lost wages, and other damages resulting from the accident.
Source: blockotoole.com
3. $4.5 Million Settlement: Child Struck in Crosswalk
A tragic incident occurred when a 3-year-old boy was running to his babysitter in a crosswalk within a recreational area and was struck by a truck. The child suffered numerous injuries, the most severe being a brachial plexus injury leading to loss of use of his right arm and a brain injury affecting cognitive functions. Despite maintaining his grade level, he required ongoing counseling. The family pursued a personal injury lawsuit against the driver and secured a settlement of $4.5 million, structured to guarantee payments exceeding $10 million over time. This case emphasizes the necessity of legal representation to seek damages for both immediate and long-term medical costs and emotional distress.
Source: Schwebel Goetz & Sieben
4. $1.3 Million Settlement: Pedestrian Struck in Queens, New York
In Queens County, New York, a 68-year-old retired woman was crossing the street at the intersection of 163rd Street and Northern Boulevard. While she was in the crosswalk with the pedestrian signal in her favor, a vehicle made a right-hand turn and struck her. The impact caused significant leg fractures, necessitating multiple surgeries and extensive rehabilitation. The driver contended that the pedestrian had walked into the roadway without caution. However, through effective legal representation, the victim secured a $1.3 million settlement, covering her medical expenses, lost income, and compensation for pain and suffering. This case underscores the importance of pursuing personal injury claims to hold negligent drivers accountable and to recover fair compensation for accident victims.
Source: Block O Tool & Murphy
5. 1 Million Settlement: High School Student Hit by a Utility Truck
A high school student was jogging south along the northbound lane of Carol Park Road in Jefferson County when a utility truck veered off course and hit him. When questioned by police, the driver initially gave false information about the crash. The student remained in the hospital for two weeks, undergoing multiple surgeries. His injuries prevented him from ever competing as a runner again. Although the insurance company denied their involvement, they ultimately signed off on a settlement offer of $1 million pedestrian accident settlement to cover the damages.
Source: Brown & Crouppen
How Much Can You Expect from a Pedestrian Accident Settlement?
The amount a pedestrian can recover after being hit by a car varies widely based on the specifics of the case. Over the past three years (2021–2024), data from pedestrian accident settlements shows that the average payout is around $67,511.90, while the median settlement stands at $30,000. The median provides a clearer picture of what most accident victims receive, as it is less influenced by extreme cases.
In cases involving minor injuries—such as whiplash or broken bones—settlements typically fall between $10,000 and $75,000. However, for severe or catastrophic injuries like spinal cord damage or traumatic brain injuries, settlements can surpass $100,000 and even reach well over $1 million.
It’s important to note that these figures are not exact estimations or guarantees. Every pedestrian accident settlement is unique, with amounts influenced by factors such as insurance coverage, liability, injury severity, and legal strategy determined by your pedestrian accident attorney.
Minimum settlement: $2,500
Maximum settlement: $1,099,990
Average settlement: $67,511.90
Median settlement: $30,000
This information serves only as a reference and should not be taken as a definitive estimate of your potential personal injury claim settlement.
Legal Protections for Pedestrian Accident Victims
Pedestrian accident victims are safeguarded by various laws designed to hold negligent drivers accountable and provide avenues for compensation. Key legal protections include:
Right of Way Laws: Many jurisdictions mandate that drivers yield to pedestrians at crosswalks and intersections. Violations can establish the driver’s negligence in personal injury claims.
Comparative Negligence: In cases where the pedestrian may have been partially at fault, comparative negligence laws allow for compensation adjusted by the victim’s degree of fault. This ensures that even if the pedestrian was partly responsible, they could still recover damages proportionate to the driver’s negligence.
Statutes of Limitations: These laws define the time frame within which a pedestrian accident lawsuit must be filed. It’s crucial to consult with a law firm promptly to ensure compliance with these timelines and preserve the right to seek damages.
Understanding these legal protections is vital for accident victims to navigate the complexities of personal injury claims effectively.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) on Pedestrian Accident Settlements
1. What should I do after a pedestrian accident?
If you were a pedestrian hit by a vehicle, take these legal steps to strengthen your lawsuit. Seek medical attention immediately, even if you have only minor injuries. Call the police to file a police report, gather witness statements, and document injuries sustained and property damage. This evidence plays a crucial role in a pedestrian accident lawsuit.
2. How much can I recover in a pedestrian accident settlement?
The settlement amount varies depending on injuries sustained, medical bills, lost wages, and liability. While the average settlement for car accident victims falls around $67,511.90, more serious cases, such as brain injuries or spinal cord injuries, can lead to payouts in the several million dollars range.
3. How do I prove fault in a pedestrian accident case?
Proving a driver’s negligence requires police reports, witness testimony, medical records, and accident reconstruction. Factors such as right of way and comparative negligence can impact your claim settlement.
4. Will the driver’s insurance company cover all my medical expenses?
Insurance coverage depends on policy limits and faults. A negligent driver’s policy should pay for medical treatment, but insurers often offer a low settlement offer. A law firm can negotiate fair compensation for your medical costs, emotional distress, and lost income.
5. Should I accept the first settlement offer?
Never accept a settlement offer without consulting a lawyer. Insurance companies aim to minimize payouts, and accepting too soon may leave you unable to recover compensation for future hospital bills, multiple surgeries, or reduced earning capacity.
6. Do I need legal representation for a pedestrian accident lawsuit?
Yes. A skilled pedestrian accident lawyer can seek damages for pain, suffering, and punitive damages, ensuring a fair settlement. Many law firms offer a free consultation and a no-obligation consultation to assess your case.
7. Can I still file a claim if I had minor injuries?
Even if you suffered minor injuries, you can still pursue personal injury claims for medical expenses, lost wages, and emotional distress. Some injuries, like nerve damage or head trauma, may worsen over time, increasing medical bills and requiring ongoing care.
8. What if I had pre-existing injuries before the accident?
Pre-existing conditions do not automatically prevent you from filing a pedestrian accident case. If the car accident aggravated your condition, you may still recover damages, but gathering evidence such as medical records is key.
9. How long do I have to file a personal injury lawsuit?
Each state has a statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits, typically ranging from 2 to 4 years. Acting quickly allows your lawyer to build a stronger case and maximize your claim settlement.
10. How do I get started with my claim?
Start with a free consultation from an experienced law firm like Bourassa Law Group. Our qualified pedestrian accident lawyers will review your medical bills, police reports, and other evidence to determine your best path to fair compensation. Not sure if you’re hiring the right legal counsel for your case? Ask your potential attorney these 15 questions to be sure.
Achieve Justice with Bourassa Law Group
Pedestrian accidents can have devastating consequences, leading to severe injuries, emotional distress, and significant financial burdens. Pursuing a pedestrian accident lawsuit with experienced legal representation is essential to recover compensation for medical expenses, lost income, and other damages. If you or a loved one has been injured due to a driver’s negligence, reach out to Bourassa Law Group right away.
Our dedicated team is committed to securing fair settlements and helping accident victims rebuild their lives. Remember, seeking legal assistance promptly can make a significant difference in the outcome of your claim.
Contact us today for a free consultation.
1-800-870-8910