How much is my pedestrian accident claim worth?

One of the most common questions my clients ask me is how much their pedestrian accident claim is worth. While it is understandable that you would want to know this, it is impossible to give an accurate answer at the beginning of your case.  However, there are a number of factors that can give you a general idea of how much you can expect to receive in your settlement.

Factors That Impact the Value of Your Claim

One of the reasons that a knowledgeable pedestrian accident lawyer cannot give you a precise answer to how much your claim is worth is that each case is unique. There are a number of factors that can affect its value. For example:

• Severity of your injuries. If you suffered serious injuries, you will need more expensive medical treatments, be off work for longer, and endure more pain and suffering than if your injuries were minor. This can significantly increase the value of your claim.
• Disputes. If there are legitimate disputes in your case, such as the liability of the negligent motorist that struck you or the seriousness of your injuries, this could weaken your claim and reduce its value.
• Your degree of fault. If you were partially at fault for your pedestrian accident, this would reduce the value of your claim. Under California’s pure comparative negligence laws, the amount of compensation you would be entitled to would be reduced by your percentage of fault in causing your injuries.
• Insurance limits. A practical consideration is the amount of liability insurance that the negligent driver has because this would be the maximum amount their insurance company would have to pay you. If they had purchased more liability coverage than required under California law, this could increase the value of your case.

How to Accurately Determine the Value of Your Case

The best way to determine how much your claim is worth is to retain an experienced pedestrian accident lawyer. They would conduct a thorough investigation into the cause of the collision and your injuries and could give you a realistic idea of how much you deserve from the at-fault motorist. 

To find out about my track record of success in these cases and how I can assist you, call my San Diego office to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation today.