Can a Pedestrian Hit By a Car Sue the Driver?

 Posted on September 23, 2022 in Personal Injury

Researchers and public health experts are stymied and alarmed by the growing trend of pedestrian injuries and deaths due to traffic accidents. While many types of car accidents have been steadily decreasing, pedestrian injuries have actually increased significantly in the last 10 years and pedestrian fatalities among children under age 15 have more than doubled in recent years. If you or a loved one were struck by a vehicle while on foot, you are probably wondering whether you have legal options.

Common Injuries in Pedestrian-Vehicle Accidents

Because of the significant difference in size and weight between a pedestrian and a vehicle, it is not surprising that injuries tend to be serious even when they are not life-threatening. Common injuries suffered by people struck by vehicles include, but are not limited to:

• Head, face, and neck injuries - These include skull and jaw fractures, damaged vertebrae, broken necks, traumatic brain injuries, globe luxation, paraplegia or quadriplegia, and spinal cord damage
• Foot, leg, and hip injuries - These include broken bones, torn ligaments and muscles, hemorrhaging, hip dislocation, and dismemberment
• Internal injuries - These include internal bleeding, broken rib bones, collapsed lungs, and ruptured organs
• Hand, arm, and shoulder injuries - These include shoulder displacement, broken bones, mobility loss, and dismemberment

What Damages Can a Pedestrian Struck by a Vehicle Sue For?

Injured pedestrians or their loved ones may be able to recover several kinds of damages, including pain and suffering, loss of quality of life, lost wages, medical expenses, funeral expenses, loss of consortium, and more.

The average settlement for a pedestrian struck by a car can vary significantly. Less serious injuries may be settled for the cost of the necessary medical treatment and the victim’s lost wages during recovery. For more serious injuries and wrongful death, settlements have been awarded for $1 million dollars or even more. Keep in mind that the insurance company of the responsible driver may be interested in settling a case as quickly as possible, especially when the driver’s liability is obvious. Do not accept any early settlement offers until you know the true worth of your case.

Victimized by a Car Accident? Call a Will County, IL Personal Injury Lawyer

If you or a loved one were struck by a vehicle as a pedestrian and suffered serious injuries or died, you deserve committed, aggressive legal representation from a Plainfield, IL personal injury attorney who will fight to get you the compensation you deserve. Do not settle for an offer from an insurance company or the driver who hit you without first speaking with me. Call the offices of Michael J. Lichner - Will County Personal Injury Lawyer today at 815-730-1977 to schedule a free, no-pressure consultation.

Sources:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2859736/

https://www.ghsa.org/resources/news-releases/GHSA/Ped-Spotlight-Full-Report22