It only takes one step. A crosswalk, a parking lot, a quiet residential street — and in a flash, it’s a crash. Getting hit by a car is one of the most traumatic events a person can experience. But when the driver is uninsured — or the pedestrian is — the road to recovery becomes more complicated. Every year in the U.S., thousands face this exact dilemma. The average payout for pedestrian hit by car accidents can vary widely, and one major factor is whether the responsible party has insurance.
How Common Are Pedestrian Accidents?
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 7,388 pedestrians were killed in traffic crashes in the U.S. in 2021 — the highest number in four decades. Tens of thousands more were injured. Pedestrian crashes are most common at night, in cities, and in poorly designed areas lacking crosswalks, signage, or speed control. Many are hit while commuting, crossing lots, or near schools.But regardless of where it happens, when a pedestrian hit by car injury involves an uninsured driver or an uninsured pedestrian, compensation becomes far from straightforward. Liability may still be clear, but without active insurance coverage on one or both sides, recovery often depends on alternate sources like personal assets, health insurance, or third-party policies. that doesn’t work for the injured. That’s why a Sacramento auto accident lawyer matters. Knowledge of California insurance laws, claim procedures, and local injury case patterns creates a real advantage.
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The Uninsured Driver: How It Affects Payout
Most states require liability coverage for drivers, but the Insurance Research Council reports that 1 in 8 drivers in the U.S. is uninsured. In some states, that figure is closer to 1 in 5, particularly in areas with high insurance costs or limited enforcement. This means a significant number of pedestrians struck by vehicles may face serious challenges in recovering compensation if the at-fault driver lacks coverage.
If a pedestrian is struck by a driver without insurance, the average payout for pedestrian hit by car accidents may drop significantly unless the pedestrian has uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage under their own auto policy.
Here’s how this typically plays out:
- With UM/UIM coverage: The pedestrian’s own insurance may cover damages like medical bills and lost income, often up to policy limits.
- Without UM/UIM: The victim may have to sue the driver personally — but collecting from someone without insurance or assets is extremely difficult.
When the driver lacks coverage, insurers may shift liability or refuse to pay altogether. That’s where legal advocacy becomes crucial.
When the Pedestrian Is Uninsured
Uninsured doesn’t always mean uninsured for driving — pedestrians without health insurance face a different challenge. If a personal injury pedestrian hit by car case involves a victim without health coverage, they may be on the hook for:
- Emergency room bills
- Follow-up care and physical therapy
- Ambulance fees
- Prescriptions and medical devices
While these expenses are often reimbursable in a settlement, providers may send bills to collections long before the case resolves. An attorney helps coordinate care, delay billing, and negotiate medical liens. But not having health insurance can cause delays or force victims to skip needed care — which can reduce total compensation in a claim.
What to Do Immediately After Being Hit
If you’re asking pedestrian hit by car what to do, the first step is always safety and medical care. But from a legal perspective, here’s what matters most:
- Call 911, even if injuries seem minor
- Gather witness contact info
- Document the driver’s plate, vehicle, and the crash scene
- Do not negotiate with the driver directly
- Seek medical attention even if you feel “fine”
Delays in treatment or failing to report the incident can give insurers (or defense attorneys) room to dispute the injury.
Why Victims Turn to Avrek After an Average Payout for Pedestrian Hit By Car Dispute
Insurance companies have resources, lawyers, and time on their side. Victims don’t — especially after being injured due to someone else’s negligence. That’s why Maryam Parman founded Avrek Law. With Over $2 Billion recovered and 50+ years of experience, this team cuts through red tape and holds insurers accountable.
Whether you’re dealing with an uninsured driver, denied coverage, or questions about the average payout for pedestrian hit by car claims, Avrek knows how to build strong cases and protect what’s owed.
You could go it alone. But Avrek’s attorneys understand insurer tactics and know how to counter them — using real evidence, medical records, and persistence to pursue the full value of your injury. They focus entirely on personal injury cases, including pedestrian, rideshare, workplace, and catastrophic injury claims.
If you’ve been hurt and the compensation isn’t adding up, Avrek’s team may be able to help — and they don’t get paid unless you do.
How Injury Type Impacts Compensation
Some of the most common pedestrian hit by car injuries include:
- Broken legs, arms, and hips
These injuries often require surgery, months of physical therapy, and mobility aids like crutches or wheelchairs, all of which can impact work and daily life. - Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
TBIs range from concussions to long-term cognitive impairment, affecting memory, speech, concentration, and even personality. - Internal bleeding or organ damage
These hidden injuries can be life-threatening if not detected quickly and often result in extended hospital stays and complex treatments. - Facial fractures and dental trauma
Reconstructive procedures, jaw wiring, and permanent scarring are common outcomes, often requiring both physical and emotional recovery.
Even “low-speed” impacts can result in devastating, lifelong injuries — especially for children and older adults.
Typical Settlement Ranges
So what’s the average payout for pedestrian hit by car cases nationwide?
- Minor injuries: $10,000 – $50,000
- Moderate injuries: $50,000 – $150,000
- Severe or long-term injuries: $250,000 – $1M+
The presence or absence of insurance plays a huge role. Without UM/UIM coverage, some cases may yield little recovery unless the driver has substantial assets — which is rare.
When victims are uninsured or underinsured themselves, a skilled attorney may still pursue alternative routes (e.g., third-party liability, umbrella policies, or property owner negligence).
Medical Costs, Pain, and Lost Wages: What’s Included?
Compensation typically covers:
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost income
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Permanent disability
- Loss of enjoyment of life
When insurance is lacking on either side, the math gets tricky — and insurance adjusters often pressure victims into settling for less. That’s where attorneys calculate the true pedestrian hit by car compensation and present it in a way insurers can’t ignore.
The Most Common Pedestrian Injuries
Certain injuries show up again and again. Among the most frequent pedestrian hit by car common injuries are:
- Leg and pelvic fractures
- Concussions and TBIs
- Spinal cord compression
- Deep lacerations and scarring
These injuries may require months — even years — of rehab, and the true cost often far exceeds initial emergency room bills.
Call, Chat, or Click — Help Is Available 24/7
If you’re facing an average payout for pedestrian hit by car situation involving an uninsured driver, don’t assume recovery is out of reach — legal options may still be available to help you move forward. Call 866-598-5548, start a live chat, or submit a short form online to speak with Avrek Law’s team now.
There’s no cost to reach out. No obligation to sign. And no fee unless you win.