Can I Get a High Settlement After a Pedestrian Accident?

 Posted on June 10, 2025 in Personal Injury

Most people are pedestrians at some point. You may walk for exercise, from a parking area to a store, or to visit a neighbor across the street. Unfortunately, car versus pedestrian accidents can happen at any time, anywhere, with many of them causing severe or fatal injuries. When someone else’s negligence causes an accident, you may be able to collect compensation.

One of the first things victims want to know is how much their cases are worth. Damages in pedestrian accidents are usually quite high. No average settlement amount exists because each case is unique. However, one thing is certain. Our determined Will County, IL personal injury lawyer will fight to help you obtain the highest available compensation.

Why Do Pedestrian Accidents Happen?

Everyone sharing Illinois roads has rules and laws to follow. For example, pedestrians should use crosswalks where available. Drivers have multiple rules of the road and should yield to pedestrians in most cases.

Most motor vehicle collisions are caused by some kind of negligent human error. Many times, more than one party is to blame. Distractions, alcohol, and drug use contribute to many crashes. Speeding may not give drivers enough time to avoid hitting pedestrians. Pedestrians who jaywalk or wear dark clothing when walking after dark can also lead to accidents.

Do Pedestrian Accidents Really Cause Serious Injuries?

In 2023, 4,533 Illinois pedestrian crashes caused 4,336 injuries and 195 fatalities. 956 pedestrians sustained incapacitating injuries. Even when vehicles are traveling at lower speeds, pedestrians are extremely vulnerable because they have no protection against impact. An impact speed of only 23 mph poses a 25 percent risk of severe injury and a 10 percent chance of death for an average pedestrian.

• A pedestrian’s body can experience several impacts during an accident, often causing catastrophic injuries, such as:
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Multiple fractures
• Spinal cord damage, including paralysis
• Organ damage
• Extensive deep bruising and cuts
• Facial trauma

These wounds can alter the victim’s life in an instant. Brain injuries can change personalities and decrease cognitive abilities. Spinal cord injuries can leave victims paralyzed. Working to earn an income could be impossible.

Are Settlements Higher for Pedestrian Accidents?

Each victim’s damages must be calculated using case-specific factors. Generally speaking, the worse your injuries are and their impact on your life, the higher your settlement will likely be.

From intensive medical treatment and ongoing care to lost income during recovery and home renovations to accommodate new disabilities, the current and future financial losses can be astronomical. When you also consider the pain and suffering and mental trauma, your quality of life can be diminished substantially.

Do not think that the liable insurance company will make a fair settlement offer. In most cases, insurers try to pay as little as they can get away with on claims. The advocacy of our skilled attorney is invaluable because we know how to determine an accurate value for your case and refuse to allow insurers to treat you unfairly. If the insurer refuses to negotiate with us to reach a reasonable settlement offer, we will gladly take your case to court.

The competence and skill of your lawyer play a big part in the resolution of your case. As a former prosecutor and judge, Attorney Carlson is an exceptional litigator. From start to finish, you can count on us to protect your best interests and work toward an optimal outcome for your claim.

Discuss Your Accident With Our Knowledgeable Grundy County, IL Personal Injury Attorney

When you choose Carlson Law Group, P.C., you can trust our experienced Joliet, IL car accident lawyer to aggressively pursue maximum compensation for your pedestrian accident case. Send an online message or call 815-710-3700 now to make an appointment for your free consultation.