Pedestrian Car Accident Settlements: 2025 Statistical Analysis
From March 17 through October 13, 2025, our research team conducted a comprehensive analysis of pedestrian car accident settlements across the United States, with a particular focus on New York State cases. This report examines settlement patterns, injury severity factors, and compensation ranges for pedestrians struck by motor vehicles.
This analysis covers pedestrian accident cases resulting in third-party liability claims rather than no-fault insurance benefits, focusing on settlements where driver negligence was established.
This report breaks down pedestrian car accident settlements based on:
- Settlement Ranges by Injury Severity
- Factors Affecting Pedestrian Settlement Amounts
- Most Dangerous Pedestrian Accident Scenarios
Disclosure: The settlement ranges and case outcome information provided on this website are for general informational purposes only. All data has been compiled from publicly available sources, industry research, and third-party reporting. This information is not based on the outcomes of cases handled by our firm and should not be interpreted as a promise or guarantee of any specific result in your case.
Settlement Ranges by Injury Severity: 2025
| Injury Category | Typical Injuries | Settlement Range | Percentage of Cases |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minor Injuries | Cuts, bruises, soft tissue damage | $1,000 – $20,000* | 35% |
| Moderate Injuries | Broken bones, concussions | $25,000 – $100,000 | 30% |
| Severe Injuries | Multiple fractures, significant TBI | $100,000 – $750,000 | 25% |
| Catastrophic Injuries | Paralysis, severe brain damage | $500,000 – $2M+ | 8% |
| Wrongful Death | Fatal pedestrian accidents | $750,000 – $3.5M+ | 2% |
*These cases have the highest risk of being dismissed.Â
Key Research Findings:
- The national average settlement for pedestrians hit by cars is $67,500, with a median of $30,000, indicating significant variation in case values.
- New York State cases typically settle 15-20% above the national average due to higher medical costs and wage replacement calculations.
- Cases involving clear driver negligence (distracted driving, DUI, traffic violations) show settlements that are 40% higher than accidents with shared fault.
Factors Affecting Pedestrian Settlement Amounts: 2025
| Factor | Impact on Settlement | Typical Increase/Decrease |
|---|---|---|
| Clear Driver Fault | Increases compensation | +45-60% |
| Video Evidence Available | Strengthens liability case | +35-50% |
| Victim’s Age (Under 18 or Over 65) | Higher life impact damages | +25-40% |
| Pre-existing Medical Conditions | May reduce compensation | -20-35% |
| Comparative Negligence (Victim Fault) | Reduces settlement proportionally | -10-50% |
| Insurance Coverage Limits | Caps maximum recovery | Varies significantly |
| Permanent Disability/Scarring | Increases pain and suffering | +50-200% |
Key Research Findings:
- Cases with surveillance footage or dashcam evidence settle for an average of $45,000 more than those relying solely on witness testimony.
- Pedestrian accidents involving children typically result in settlements 30% higher than adult cases due to longer life expectancy and future earning capacity.
- New York’s pure comparative negligence law allows recovery even when the pedestrian shares fault, but reduces settlements proportionally.
Most Dangerous Pedestrian Accident Scenarios: 2025
| Scenario | Injury Rate per 1,000 Incidents | Average Settlement | Common Liability Issues |
|---|---|---|---|
| Intersection Crosswalk Accidents | 8.2 per 1,000 | $85,000 – $350,000 | Failure to yield, distracted driving |
| Mid-block Pedestrian Strikes | 6.7 per 1,000 | $45,000 – $200,000 | Jaywalking vs. inadequate crosswalks |
| Parking Lot/Driveway Accidents | 5.3 per 1,000 | $25,000 – $150,000 | Backing accidents, limited visibility |
| School Zone Accidents | 4.8 per 1,000 | $125,000 – $500,000 | Speed violations, school zone laws |
| Nighttime/Low Visibility | 12.1 per 1,000 | $95,000 – $450,000 | Inadequate lighting, dark clothing |
Key Research Findings:
- Nighttime pedestrian accidents account for 75% of fatal pedestrian strikes despite representing only 25% of pedestrian activity hours.
- School zone accidents, while less frequent, typically result in higher settlements due to enhanced penalties for speed violations and the vulnerability of child victims.
- Intersection accidents involving left-turning vehicles show the highest settlement values due to clear right-of-way violations.
Requesting Legal Representation
If you’ve been struck by a car as a pedestrian in New York, it’s essential to understand that your case involves complex liability and insurance issues that differ significantly from typical car-to-car accidents. Pedestrian accident cases require immediate attention due to evidence preservation and insurance reporting requirements.Â
Eric Richman has extensive experience handling pedestrian accident cases throughout New York State and understands the unique challenges these cases present.
Our firm will aggressively fight for your rights while providing honest guidance about your case’s potential outcomes. We build our client relationships on trust, transparency, and proven legal expertise rather than unrealistic promises about settlement amounts.
Call us at (800) 801-9655 or request a free consultation online.
Sources
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- Pedestrian Hit by Car: What’s the Average Pedestrian Accident Settlement?
- What is the Average Payout for Pedestrian Hit by Car?
- Typical Settlements for Pedestrians Hit By Cars in New York
- NY Pedestrian Accident Statistics in 2025
- New York Pedestrian Accident Statistics and Safety Tips
- New York Car Accident Statistics (Updated June 2025)