How Much Is My Pedestrian Accident Case Worth in Iowa?

Pedestrian accidents can be devastating. This type of personal injury case can not only change the life of the victim, but also the lives of their family. Those who have been hit by a car while walking in and around Des Moines have rights, and they are legally allowed to file a personal injury claim. The question that many people wonder, however, is this: "how much is my pedestrian accident case worth?"

This is an important question, but it's not an easy answer. There are many factors that can affect the final personal injury settlement value.

In order to get the most out of a pedestrian accident case, victims must work with a personal injury attorney. The team at Tom Fowler Law can help injured pedestrians get the justice and compensation they deserve. They can also help answer questions such as How much is my medical malpractice case worth in Iowa?

Those who are ready to seek compensation should contact Tom Fowler Law, today, and read the following:

Victim Rights as a Pedestrian in Iowa

Under Iowa law, a driver is required to yield to pedestrians in marked intersections and crosswalks. Pedestrians also have the right to use sidewalks and walkways without fear of being injured in a car accident.

Iowa has a comparative fault system. This means that more than one person can be at fault in an accident, including the injured party.

If a pedestrian is partly at fault for the accident, their compensation can be reduced by their percentage of fault. Examples of this include crossing outside of a crosswalk or using a crosswalk when the "don't walk" sign is illuminated. This also means that if a pedestrian is found to be more than 50% at fault, they might not be able to recover anything at all.

It's imperative to have a personal injury lawyer available to help understand these cases. They can also share information on questions like How much is my product liability case worth in Iowa?

What Factors Determine the Value of a Pedestrian Accident Case?

Every pedestrian accident is different from the rest. Because of this the value of the personal injury damages will vary based on a number of factors, which can significantly impact the outcome:

Severity of the Injuries

Pedestrian accidents often cause severe injuries including broken bones, concussions, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, internal organ damage, lacerations, and permanent scars. The injury severity is definitely factored into the value of the case. For instance, if a pedestrian has a minor fracture, they will generally receive less compensatory damages than a person who was hit and paralyzed.

Medical Expenses

Compensation for medical expenses and related costs are also factored into the value of a pedestrian accident case. Some of the factors that are considered include:

• Emergency room care

• Surgeries

• Follow-up visits

• Physical therapy

• Prescription medications

• Rehabilitation costs

• Mobility devices or home modifications

• Long-term care and ongoing treatment

• Future medical expenses and future medical bills

Lost Wages and Loss of Earning Capacity

Those who had to miss work due to the injuries sustained in a pedestrian accident may also be entitled to compensation for lost income, lost bonuses, lost commissions, and lost future earnings if the victim cannot return to work. The longer the recovery, the greater the financial loss. That means a higher settlement amount in most cases.

Pain and Suffering

Physical pain and mental suffering are also considered. Some of the factors include:

• Chronic pain

• Anxiety or PTSD

• Stress

• Depression

• Sleep disturbances

• Loss of enjoyment of life

• Embarrassment or grief from disfigurement or disability

These non-economic damages can be substantial and add more to final settlement, especially if the victim's quality of life has been permanently affected.

Damaged Personal Property

If personal property damages are part of the loss, these items can also be factored into a reasonable settlement.

Impact on Daily Life

It's also possible to be compensated for the impact the injuries have on their everyday activities. This includes:

• Inability to drive, cook, clean, or live independently

• Loss of ability to care for children or loved ones

• Giving up hobbies or recreational activities

• Needing assistance with basic tasks

All of these things can add to the value of a pedestrian accident case. From soft tissue injuries and minor fractures to traumatic brain injuries or death, it's extremely important to have an experienced attorney in order to ensure a fair settlement. It may be beneficial to hire a personal injury attorney in Des Moines.

Types of Compensation in Iowa Pedestrian Accident Claims

Those injured in a pedestrian accident may be entitled to different types of compensation including:

Economic Damages

These include:

• Medical bills (past and future)

• Lost wages

• Loss of future earning potential

• Out-of-pocket expenses (e.g., travel to medical appointments)

Non-Economic Damages

These cover the personal impact of your injuries, including:

• Pain and suffering

• Emotional distress

• Scarring or disfigurement

• Loss of enjoyment of life

Punitive Damages

In rare cases, punitive damages may be awarded if the driver’s conduct was particularly reckless or malicious, such as in drunk driving, distracted driving, or hit-and-run incidents. These are designed to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior from others.

How Much Is a Pedestrian Accident Case Worth in Iowa?

It's hard to say what the average settlement is because there are so many factors that go into a case like this. However, there are some general examples to help victims and their families understand what cases may be worth:

• Minor injuries (e.g., bruises, sprains): $15,000 – $40,000

• Moderate injuries (e.g., broken bones, temporary disability): $50,000 – $150,000

• Severe injuries (e.g., traumatic brain injury, permanent disability): $250,000 – $1 million+

• Wrongful death cases: $500,000 – $2 million+

Keep in mind, these are only estimates. The final value can vary significantly based on:

• Medical treatment and recovery

• Fault determination

• Available insurance coverage

• Quality of legal representation

Why a Lawyer is Necessary for a Pedestrian Accident Claim

Pedestrian accident cases may seem straightforward — but they’re often much more complex than people expect. Insurance companies often do the following during settlement negotiations to keep the monetary award as low as possible:

• Blame the pedestrian for the accident

• Minimize injuries to reduce payouts

• Pressure victims into quick settlements before the full impact of the injury is clear

Working with a firm like Tom Fowler Law and filing a lawsuit is the best way to get fair compensation for a pedestrian accident. Some of the things this law firm does for their clients include:

• Investigate the accident and gather evidence

• Work with doctors and medical experts to document injuries

• Calculate the full value of damages — including future care and lost earnings

• Handle all negotiations and legal paperwork

• Go to court if the insurance company refuses to settle fairly

Tom Fowler Law offers a free consultation to those who are looking to recover damages following a pedestrian accident. Reach out today.