Pedestrian accidents can result in a range of injuries, from short-term issues to long-term disabilities, or even death. Determining the average settlement for a pedestrian hit by a car depends on various factors including the severity of injuries and Minnesota’s insurance and pedestrian accident laws. An experienced legal team can help guide you through the settlement process. At Sieben Polk P.A., our Minnesota pedestrian accident lawyers can assist you in understanding what to expect.
Navigate This Page
- What Affects the Settlement for a Pedestrian Hit by a Car?
- Factors That Affect Pedestrian Accident Settlement Amounts
- Minnesota’s No-Fault Insurance Laws and Pedestrian Accidents
- Minnesota’s Modified Comparative Fault Law
- Understanding Minnesota’s Pedestrian Laws
- How an Experienced Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Can Help
- Related Readings:
What Affects the Settlement for a Pedestrian Hit by a Car?
There is no standard average for pedestrian accident settlements. Each case is unique with its own circumstances and consequences. Factors such as the severity of the injury, insurance coverage, and fault play a significant role. Pedestrian accident settlements typically range from $10,000 to $500,000, but to estimate a more accurate figure, you should consult an experienced car accident lawyer.
Factors That Affect Pedestrian Accident Settlement Amounts
The Nature and Severity of Your Injuries
The severity of your injuries will greatly influence the settlement amount. For example:
- Severe injuries like broken bones, spinal injuries, and traumatic brain injuries can lead to higher medical costs and greater compensation for non-economic damages (e.g., pain, suffering)
- Less severe injuries, such as sprains and bruises, may lead to smaller settlements.
More severe injuries not only result in higher medical costs but also in long-term impacts on quality of life, which leads to higher settlement amounts for non-economic damages.
The Impact of Your Injuries on Your Ability to Work
If the pedestrian accident causes you to miss work or affects your ability to work in the future, your settlement is likely to be larger. This includes losses due to missed income and potential future income.
Minnesota’s No-Fault Insurance Laws and Pedestrian Accidents
In Minnesota, the No-Fault Insurance Law requires every driver to carry Basic Economic Loss (BEL) coverage. This insurance applies to pedestrians injured in accidents as well, providing benefits like:
- $20,000 for medical expenses
- $20,000 for income loss and other expenses like household services and funeral costs
However, BEL benefits do not cover non-economic damages like pain, suffering, or emotional distress. If the injury meets specific criteria (e.g., $4,000 in medical expenses or permanent disability), you may file a claim against the at-fault driver for additional damages.
Minnesota’s Modified Comparative Fault Law
Minnesota’s comparative fault system allows you to seek compensation even if you are partially responsible for the accident. If your share of fault is not greater than the other party’s, you can still recover damages. For example:
- If you are 20% at fault, you may still recover 80% of your damages.
It’s crucial to have an experienced attorney to determine how fault impacts your claim and to ensure you receive the maximum possible settlement.
Understanding Minnesota’s Pedestrian Laws
Pedestrian traffic laws are important when determining liability. Minnesota requires pedestrians to:
- Follow traffic signals
- Walk on the left side of the road or use sidewalks
- Yield to vehicles when not in a crosswalk or intersection
- Not cross outside of marked crosswalks
If a pedestrian fails to follow these rules, they may share some of the fault for the accident, which could reduce the settlement.
How an Experienced Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Can Help
Pedestrian accidents can be traumatic. With the help of an experienced pedestrian accident lawyer, you can negotiate a fair settlement that reflects your injuries and losses. At Sieben Polk P.A., our skilled legal team is ready to assist you. Contact us for a free consultation at (651) 437-3148.
