If you were hit by a car while walking, you’re not alone—and you’re probably wondering: Who will cover the costs? What kind of settlement can I expect?
Unfortunately, pedestrian accidents happen far more often than most people realize. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 8,000 pedestrians are killed each year in crashes involving a motor vehicle—that’s about one death every 64 minutes.
Florida is among the states with the highest number of these tragic incidents. Whether due to distracted drivers, poor lighting, or dangerous intersections, pedestrians face serious daily risks on our roads.
At The Reyes Firm, we understand how devastating these accidents can be. Dealing with medical expenses, missed paychecks, and the emotional stress after being struck by a car can quickly become overwhelming. That’s why we’re here to walk you through what a pedestrian hit by a car settlement involves, what factors affect your payout, and how to ensure you’re not taken advantage of by insurance companies.
Let’s break it down clearly—so you can focus on healing while we handle the rest.
What Is a Pedestrian Hit by a Car Settlement?
A settlement is the money you receive from the at-fault driver (or their insurance company) after a pedestrian accident. It helps pay for things like your medical treatment, time off work, and the emotional impact of the accident.
These cases don’t always go to court; most are resolved through negotiations. But to get the right amount, you need to understand what goes into a fair settlement and why the pedestrian accident lawyer you choose can make a big difference.
What’s the Average Settlement for a Pedestrian Accident?
Settlements for pedestrian injuries can vary widely. Minor injury cases may resolve for tens of thousands of dollars, while severe, life-altering injuries can lead to settlements reaching hundreds of thousands—or even more.
At The Reyes Firm, we’ve handled a wide range of pedestrian accident cases, including those involving broken bones, long-term disabilities, and extensive rehabilitation. While we can’t promise specific outcomes, we bring the experience, dedication, and legal skill needed to pursue the maximum compensation available based on the facts of your case.
Every case is unique, and we don’t make empty promises. Instead, we focus on building strong claims backed by evidence, so you get what’s fair.
What Affects the Value of a Pedestrian Accident Settlement?
If you’re pursuing a pedestrian hit by a car settlement, it’s essential to understand that no two cases are identical. Several key factors will influence how much your claim might be worth, including:
1. Severity of Injuries
More serious injuries typically lead to larger settlements. These may include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Spinal cord injuries or paralysis
- Broken bones
- Internal bleeding or damage
- Disfigurement or permanent disability
2. Medical Expenses
Your settlement should account for both the medical expenses you’re facing now and any care you might need down the road, including:
- Emergency room treatment
- Surgeries
- Physical therapy
- Medications
- In-home care and assistive equipment
3. Lost Income and Future Earning Capacity
If your injuries keep you from working or limit your ability to earn in the future, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning potential
- Missed job opportunities
4. Pain and Suffering
This includes:
- Physical pain
- Mental anguish (like PTSD or anxiety)
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of companionship or consortium
Attorneys may calculate this portion of your settlement using a multiplier approach, based on your injuries.
5. Liability and Fault
Florida follows a modified comparative negligence system. This means:
- If the driver is 100% at fault, you may recover full compensation.
- If you were partially at fault (e.g., jaywalking or not using a crosswalk), your settlement may be reduced to your percentage of fault.
- More than 50% at fault for the accident may prevent you from receiving compensation.
Let’s say you’re 30% at fault—if your total damages are $100,000, you’d be entitled to recover just $70,000.
6. Insurance Coverage
How much you can recover may depend on the insurance coverage the at-fault driver has in place. If the driver doesn’t have enough insurance, you may be able to turn to your own UM/UIM policy to help cover your losses.
Types of Compensation Available
A full settlement should cover both economic and non-economic damages:
Economic Damages
- Medical bills (past and future)
- Lost income and earning potential
- Rehab, therapy, and home modifications
- Transportation and out-of-pocket costs
Non-Economic Damages
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional trauma
- Scarring or disfigurement
- Loss of companionship
Punitive Damages
These may be awarded in cases involving gross negligence, like:
- Hit-and-run accidents
- DUI-related crashes
- Reckless or intentional harm
Steps to Take Immediately After Being Hit by a Car
Knowing what to do immediately after a pedestrian accident can protect your health and your case:
- Call 911 and get emergency medical care
- Seek medical attention, even if symptoms seem minor.
- Document everything: take photos, collect witness info, and save medical records
- Avoid speaking to the driver’s insurance company.
- Call an experienced pedestrian injury attorney at The Reyes Firm.
Why Choose The Reyes Firm?
At The Reyes Firm, our personal injury lawyers help victims and their families by combining legal skill, compassion, and a client-first approach.
✔ Free Consultations
We offer no-obligation case reviews—you’ll never pay to talk to us.
✔ No Win, No Fee
You won’t owe us a thing unless we successfully recover your compensation. That’s our guarantee.
✔ Local Experience in Tampa
We know how Florida’s legal system works—and how local courts and insurance companies handle these cases—so you’ll have someone on your side who truly understands the process.
✔ Full-Service Legal Support
We’ll handle every step:
- Investigating the accident
- Gathering medical records and police reports
- Negotiating aggressively with insurers
- Filing a lawsuit if needed
✔ You’re Not Alone
Cannot travel? We’ll come to you. Need bilingual help? We’ve got it. Need a doctor who will wait for payment? We’ll coordinate care.
We go beyond legal representation—we help rebuild lives.
Florida-Specific Laws You Should Know
Here’s what’s essential in Florida pedestrian accident cases:
- PIP Coverage: Although Florida is a no-fault state, pedestrians with severe injuries may still be able to file a claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance.
- Comparative Fault: Florida’s modified comparative negligence law means you must be less than 51% at fault to recover compensation.
- Statute of Limitations: As of 2023, you have 2 years to file a personal injury lawsuit. Don’t wait—your right to compensation is on the clock.
Let’s Talk About Your Case
You didn’t ask to be in this situation, but you can take control of what happens next.
If you’ve been hit by a car while walking, let The Reyes Firm stand by your side and fight for the settlement you deserve. We’ll take care of the legal stress so you can focus on recovery.
Call us at (813) 686-7515 for a free consultation.
Or start your free case review online today.
