What Is the Average Pedestrian Accident Settlement in California?
No win, no fee San Francisco pedestrian accident lawyers: You pay no attorney’s fees unless we win compensation for you.
If you were hit by a vehicle while walking in San Francisco, you’re probably wondering:
How much compensation is my pedestrian accident worth?
Under California law, you have the right to pursue damages for injuries and losses caused by another person’s negligence. This might include compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
While every case is different, the average pedestrian accident settlement in California may range from a few thousand dollars to hundreds of thousands of dollars or even higher. Ultimately, it all depends on what happened, where it happened, who’s at fault, and other factors.
Below is a breakdown of typical settlement ranges so you know what to expect when filing a personal injury claim.
Average Pedestrian Accident Settlement in California
The average pedestrian accident settlement in California varies from case to case. However, you can use the typical settlement ranges below as a reference. In general, the more serious your injury and its impact on your life, the higher the amount of compensation you may be able to recover.
Minor pedestrian accident injuries
Examples
Bruises, sprains, strains, soft tissue injuries
Estimated settlement value
A few thousand dollars
Considerations
Smaller injuries often result in lower settlements because recovery usually doesn’t impact daily activities.
Moderate pedestrian accident injuries
Examples
Fractures, broken bones, more intensive treatment, surgery
Estimated settlement value
Tens of thousands of dollars
Considerations
Moderate injuries can require ongoing treatment, time off work, and affect a person’s life, possibly resulting in a higher settlement.
Serious pedestrian accident injuries
Examples
Traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, permanent disabilities
Estimated settlement value
Hundreds of thousands of dollars or more
Considerations
Serious injuries may require long-term rehabilitation or even lifelong care, potentially increasing the value of a claim after a pedestrian accident in San Francisco.
Note: There’s no official average pedestrian accident settlement in California because compensation amounts depend on a wide range of factors. The figures above are generalized ranges based on publicly reported settlements and what attorneys might encounter when negotiating with insurance companies. Your case may be different.
A pedestrian accident attorney in San Francisco can evaluate the value of your personal injury claim based on your unique circumstances. Contact Stoll & Haynes for a free case review today. We’ve supported injury victims in the Bay Area since 1994.
Recommended reading: Average Slip and Fall Settlement in California
What Influences Pedestrian Accident Settlement Amounts in California?
Different things can impact the amount of money you may recover after a pedestrian accident:
Types of injuries
Someone with severe injuries might get a higher settlement than someone with minor or moderate injuries. However, this isn’t always the case, as factors like recovery time and impact on daily activities can also affect compensation.
Pain and suffering
Your settlement may increase if you experienced any of the following after your accident:
- Physical pain
- Emotional trauma
- Reduced quality of life
Medical expenses
The cost of any medical treatment after your pedestrian accident can influence how much you may recover. This can include hospital stays, rehabilitation, physical therapy, and future care.
Lost income and reduced earning capacity
Depending on your circumstances, you may receive a higher settlement if your pedestrian accident causes you to miss work or limits your earning potential in the future.
The total amount you could recover also depends on whether you can prove the responsible party was negligent. Stoll & Haynes can help you build a strong personal injury claim based on evidence and improve your chances of securing full compensation.
Do Pedestrian Accidents Usually Go to Court?
The vast majority of personal injury claims in California, including pedestrian accident cases, settle out of court. An experienced San Francisco attorney like Stoll & Haynes can negotiate with the at-fault party’s insurance company on your behalf to pursue compensation.
In rare instances, a claim may proceed to court if:
- An insurer disputes the severity of the victim’s injuries
- An insurer refuses to offer a fair settlement
- Parties can’t agree on who’s liable for an accident
If any of these things happen in your case, don’t worry. Going to court might sound scary, but the right pedestrian accident attorney can guide you through the process and fight for the compensation you deserve.
How to Maximize Your Pedestrian Accident Settlement
The steps you take after a pedestrian accident may impact the value of your claim. Here are some things to consider:
See a doctor
Seek medical attention immediately, even if your injuries are minor. Doing so establishes an official record of your injuries, which can support your personal injury claim.
Gather lots of evidence
When it’s safe to do so, take photos of your injuries and the accident scene, and collect contact information from any witnesses. The more evidence you have, the better.
Report the accident to the police
Filing a police report can help document what happened and strengthen your case.
Be careful what you say to insurance companies
Avoid speaking directly to insurers without legal representation, as they can twist your words and deny or delay compensation.
Contact a San Francisco pedestrian accident attorney
An attorney with experience in personal injury law can:
- Collect evidence
- Gather witness testimony
- Negotiate with insurers
- Secure compensation available under California law
Stoll & Haynes offers free consultations, so you can discuss your pedestrian accident case with a legal professional at no cost.
How Stoll & Haynes Helps You Pursue a Pedestrian Accident Settlement
Our personal injury attorneys have extensive experience handling pedestrian accident cases in San Francisco and the wider Bay Area. We can investigate what happened, preserve evidence, and aggressively pursue a settlement amount that accurately reflects your injuries and losses.
Here are just a couple of our success stories:
Elderly pedestrian struck by MUNI bus
Compensation amount: $3.1 million
In a case against the City and County of San Francisco, our attorneys secured a $3.1 million settlement on behalf of an 83-year-old man who was hit by a MUNI bus at the intersection of Geary and Fillmore Street in the Fillmore District. As a result, he suffered catastrophic leg injuries. The settlement included $1.6 million for medical expenses and $1.5 million in cash damages.
The police report said the bus driver wasn’t at fault, and the man had crossed at a red light. However, through our investigation, we found evidence that the bus driver was negligent and that the City knew the intersection was dangerous at the time of the crash
Elderly pedestrian struck by semi-truck
Compensation amount: $750,000
When an elderly pedestrian was hit by a semi-truck at a marked crosswalk in San Francisco, the police initially concluded that the pedestrian failed to yield the right of way. After taking on the case, we determined that the truck driver’s inattention and speed were the main causes of the collision.
Read more of our client victories.
Note: Results depend on the facts of each case and aren’t guaranteed outcomes.
Recommended reading: San Francisco’s Most Dangerous Intersections and Most Dangerous Streets in San Francisco
Average Pedestrian Accident Settlement in California FAQs
The average pedestrian accident settlement in California can vary widely depending on different factors. That said, claims involving minor injuries may settle for a few thousand dollars, while more serious cases could reach hundreds of thousands of dollars or higher.
Under California law, you have the right to seek damages for injuries and losses after a pedestrian accident. You may be able to recover compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, lost wages, future earning potential, and more.
California has a comparative fault rule, which means your compensation may be reduced if you were partially to blame for your pedestrian accident. For example, if you were found to be 20% at fault, your compensation would be reduced by 20%.
Read more personal injury FAQs.
More Legal Resources From Stoll & Haynes
- Automobile Accident Attorney in San Francisco
- Pedestrian Accident Attorney in San Francisco
- Bicycle Accident Attorney in San Francisco
Contact a San Francisco Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
Although there’s no official average pedestrian accident settlement in California, compensation may range from a few thousand dollars to hundreds of thousands of dollars or more, depending on the facts of the case.
Disclaimer: This article is for general information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship. If you need advice about your specific situation, please contact Stoll & Haynes directly.