Being hit by a car as a pedestrian is traumatic and disorienting. Taking the right steps immediately after the accident protects your health, preserves your legal rights, and strengthens your compensation claim.
Critical Steps After Being Hit by a Car
1. Seek Medical Attention Immediately
Get a full medical evaluation even if you don’t feel seriously injured. Some injuries like internal bleeding and traumatic brain injuries don’t show symptoms right away. A medical evaluation documents your injuries and connects them to the accident, preventing insurance companies from claiming they’re pre-existing or unrelated.
2. Gather Evidence
If you’re able, take photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, your injuries, and road conditions. Collect the driver’s contact information, insurance details, and witness names. Write down how the accident happened while it’s fresh in your mind.
3. Report the Accident
Call 911 to get police on scene and create an official accident report. Notify your insurance company about the accident. Request a copy of the police report once it’s available.
4. Preserve Everything
Keep all medical bills, prescriptions, and treatment records. Document missed work and lost wages. Take photos as your injuries heal. Save the clothing you wore during the accident.
What’s the Average Payout for a Pedestrian Hit by a Car?
There is no standard “average” settlement because every case is different. Pedestrian accident settlements range from thousands to millions of dollars based on:
- Injury severity – More serious injuries requiring extensive treatment result in higher settlements
- Insurance coverage – The at-fault driver’s policy limits often cap available compensation
- Liability evidence – Strong proof of the driver’s fault increases settlement value
- Your damages – Medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and permanent disability all factor in
Don’t Accept the First Offer
Insurance companies make low initial offers hoping you’ll accept quickly. These offers rarely cover future medical needs, long-term disability, or the full extent of your suffering. Once you sign a settlement, you can’t go back for more money—even if your medical bills exceed the amount or your condition worsens. Always speak with an attorney before accepting any settlement.
Common Questions About Pedestrian Accidents
What If You Hit a Pedestrian Not in a Crosswalk?
Drivers must exercise care to avoid hitting pedestrians regardless of where they’re walking. Even if you were jaywalking, the driver can still be held liable. Under Washington’s comparative negligence law, you can recover damages even if you were partially at fault—your compensation is just reduced by your percentage of fault.
If a Drunk Pedestrian Is Hit by a Car, Who’s at Fault?
A pedestrian’s intoxication doesn’t automatically excuse the driver. Drivers must watch for pedestrians at all times. While intoxication may reduce the driver’s liability percentage, most intoxicated pedestrians can still recover at least partial compensation.
How Long Will My Case Take?
Case timelines vary based on injury severity, case complexity, and whether you settle or go to trial. Settlements often resolve within 6-12 months. Trials may take 1-3 years but can result in higher compensation. Your attorney begins negotiating immediately while you focus on recovery.
Do I Need a Lawyer?
Yes. A pedestrian accident attorney investigates your claim, gathers evidence, handles all insurance company communication, and fights for maximum compensation. Most work on contingency—you pay nothing unless you win.
Why Choose Kapuza Lighty
With nearly 60 years of combined legal experience, we’ve secured maximum compensation for countless pedestrian accident victims in Washington State.
Our More Cash for Your Crash® Guarantee: We guarantee more money than any prior insurance offer—or you owe us nothing in attorney fees.
We only get paid if you do. No upfront costs, no hourly billing, no fees unless we win.
Get Help Today
If you were hit by a car as a pedestrian, don’t wait. Washington’s statute of limitations gives you only 3 years to file a lawsuit, and evidence disappears quickly.
- Call: (509) 866-4166
- Online: Request a free consultation
Your initial consultation is completely free. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain.
