The average pedestrian accident settlement typically ranges from $15,000 to $75,000. However, severe cases involving long-term injuries or death may reach $500,000 or more, depending on the circumstances.
For anyone seeking answers after being hit while walking, a Bellevue pedestrian accident lawyer can help evaluate your case, explain your rights, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Pedestrian accidents often involve catastrophic injuries and complex legal questions. Insurance companies are quick to minimize claims, especially when fault is unclear. That’s why it’s essential to understand the factors that shape settlement amounts and how Washington law affects your options.
What Impacts the Value of a Pedestrian Accident Settlement?
At Premier Law Group, we’ve helped countless pedestrians recover fair compensation after being struck by vehicles. Each case is different, but several key elements influence how much a settlement may be worth in Washington:
- Severity of injuries: Serious injuries like spinal cord damage, broken bones, or brain trauma typically result in higher compensation. Soft tissue injuries or minor fractures may still qualify for settlements, but they are usually lower in value.
- Medical costs: Hospital bills, ongoing physical therapy, prescription medication, and assistive devices are included in the calculation. Future medical needs are also considered if recovery will be long-term or if injuries are permanent.
- Lost income and earning potential: If you missed work or your injuries prevent you from returning to your prior job, those losses will be factored into the claim.
- Pain and suffering: Non-economic damages, including physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life, often make up a significant portion of the settlement.
- Shared fault: Under Washington’s pedestrian safety laws, your settlement may be reduced if you were partially at fault for the accident.
Examples of Pedestrian Accident Claims
Every case is shaped by its facts, but here are examples of how certain scenarios play out:
- Crosswalk collisions: A driver fails to yield to a pedestrian in a marked crosswalk. These cases often lead to higher settlements due to clear violations of pedestrian right-of-way laws.
- School zones or residential areas: Accidents involving children or near schools tend to attract greater scrutiny and may involve aggravating factors such as speed zone violations.
- Distracted or impaired driving: If the driver was texting or under the influence, punitive damages may be pursued, which can significantly increase compensation.
- Hit-and-run cases: Even if the driver isn’t located, Washington’s Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage can apply to pedestrian victims. These claims are more complex, but compensation may still be available.
Legal Protections for Pedestrians in Washington
Washington law provides several safeguards for injured pedestrians, including statutes that protect your right to safe road use:
- RCW 46.61.235: Requires vehicles to stop for pedestrians in marked or unmarked crosswalks. This statute is often central to determining fault in pedestrian injury cases.
- RCW 4.22.005 – Comparative Fault: Allows injured pedestrians to recover damages even if they are partially responsible, with their compensation reduced based on their share of fault.
- Statute of Limitations: In Washington, you generally have three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. Missing this deadline can result in losing your right to recover damages entirely.
Do Most Pedestrian Accident Cases Settle?
Yes, most cases settle out of court, but that doesn’t mean they settle fairly. Insurance companies may offer quick settlements, hoping injured pedestrians will accept less than they deserve.
We’ve seen this tactic too many times, which is why we conduct a full investigation before any negotiation begins.
If we determine that a settlement offer doesn’t reflect the true value of your injuries, we’re fully prepared to take your case to trial. While litigation takes longer, it may be the only way to secure the compensation needed for long-term care and financial recovery.
What We Do for Our Clients
Our goal is to make the legal process as straightforward and supportive as possible. When you call Premier Law Group, you won’t be shuffled between departments or passed off to non-attorney staff.
In fact, most people speak directly with Jason Epstein, one of our partners, during their initial call.
Here’s what we provide from day one:
- Free case review: We’ll talk through the details of your accident, explain your rights, and answer any questions, all at no cost.
- Full legal support: From gathering evidence and ordering medical records to negotiating with insurance companies, we handle it all so you can focus on healing.
- Open communication: Our dedicated client app lets you track your case in real time. We keep you informed every step of the way.
- No fees unless we win: We work on a contingency basis, meaning you don’t pay unless we successfully recover compensation on your behalf.
Get Legal Help Today
If you’ve been injured as a pedestrian, don’t leave your future in the hands of an insurance company. With over $100 million recovered and more than 55 years of combined experience, Premier Law Group knows what it takes to get justice for accident victims in Washington.
We’re proud to be the approachable, honest legal team that takes your call, listens to your story, and gives you real answers. Whether the driver fled the scene or denied fault, or if the insurance company is stalling, we’re ready to step in.
Contact us today for a free case review, and let’s start the conversation about how we can help you move forward.
Jason at premier law group is truly an outstanding individual. Our particular case was not something that their firm usually sees but they were more than willing to help us and give us all of the information they had available. I can't recommend them enough.