If you were hit by a car while walking, you may be facing serious injuries, medical bills, and questions about what comes next. Pedestrian accident settlements can help you recover compensation for everything the crash has cost you—physically, financially, and emotionally. On this page, we answer some of the most common questions about how these settlements work in California and what factors affect how much your case may be worth.
There’s no fixed amount for a pedestrian accident settlement—each case depends on the severity of your injuries, the medical treatment required, lost income, and how the accident impacts your life long-term. Some cases settle for tens of thousands, while others involving permanent injury or wrongful death can reach hundreds of thousands or more.
First, seek medical attention right away—even if your injuries seem minor. Then, report the accident to law enforcement and gather evidence like witness contact info, photos of the scene, and any available video footage. Finally, contact a pedestrian accident lawyer as soon as possible to preserve your claim and avoid early lowball offers from insurance companies.
The at-fault driver’s insurance is usually responsible for covering your medical costs. However, payment often comes after a settlement or verdict, so you may initially use your own health insurance or Med-Pay benefits (if available) to cover costs. A lawyer can help you manage medical liens and make sure those bills are included in your final settlement.
Yes. California follows a comparative fault rule, which means you can still recover damages even if you were partly at fault—for example, if you were jaywalking. Your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. So if you were 20% at fault and your damages total $100,000, you could still receive $80,000.
Some claims settle in a few months, while others may take a year or more—especially if you’re still recovering or if the insurance company disputes fault. It’s usually best to wait until your medical condition stabilizes before settling, so your lawyer can accurately calculate the full impact of your injuries.
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