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Pedestrians are particularly vulnerable in car accidents, as they lack the protection that motorists or vehicle passengers have. This means that they’re often left with severe injuries following a pedestrian accident, which often result in higher settlements than car collisions. Discover what the average settlement for a pedestrian hit by a car in New Mexico is and learn more about the settlement offer you might receive. Then, find out how a New Mexico pedestrian accident attorney can help.
What Factors Go Into a Pedestrian Accident Settlement?
Pedestrian accident cases can be complicated, and many factors go into determining the amount of compensation to which victims may be entitled. The severity of a victim’s injuries is a primary consideration in a settlement. The cost of immediate treatment, follow-up appointments, and ongoing care all factor into a potential offer. On top of that, lost wages from the victim’s inability to work are also included in the calculation. These factors, along with similar tangible expenses, are called economic damages.
Apart from economic damages, pedestrians injured in car collisions can also recover non-economic damages. Commonly referred to as pain and suffering, non-economic damages are intangible losses, such as loss of enjoyment of life, emotional distress, and disfigurement. In wrongful death cases, damages like loss of consortium also apply. With 108 fatalities resulting from pedestrian accidents in 2023, it’s important to know what damages you might be entitled to recover.
The Average Settlement for Pedestrian Accidents
It’s difficult to say what the average settlement for pedestrian accidents is. Settlement offers vary widely, sometimes coming in at just a few thousand dollars, while others can be in the hundreds of thousands or millions. The amount depends on the severity of the injuries and how they affect the victim’s life.
What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident
If you’ve been involved in a pedestrian accident, it’s important to remain calm and follow these steps.
- Call 911. After a pedestrian accident, move to a safe location out of the road and call 911 to report the crash and request medical assistance. If you’re too injured to do so, have a bystander or the driver call.
- Remain at the scene. Drivers are legally required to remain at the scene of an accident until authorities arrive. While pedestrians have no legal obligation to stay at the scene, it’s important not to leave so that you can receive appropriate medical care and have your version of events on record.
- Receive medical attention. Even if you feel fine immediately following the accident, it’s important to get checked out by EMTs or a doctor. The adrenaline of the crash might be masking underlying injuries, and some injuries can take time to manifest. Getting looked at by a medical professional is important for protecting your health.
- Contact a pedestrian accident attorney. Call a lawyer to discuss your injuries and see what compensation you might be entitled to recover. You shouldn’t have to face the financial burden caused by someone else’s negligence.
