If you were hit while walking, you’re likely asking the same urgent question many victims face: how long to settle a pedestrian accident? Whether your injuries are minor or severe, waiting for compensation can be stressful especially with medical bills piling up and insurance adjusters dragging their feet.
There’s no fixed answer. Some pedestrian accident claims settle in a matter of months. Others can take a year or longer, especially if liability is disputed or your injuries require long-term care. Below, we’ll break down what really determines how long your settlement might take, and how our top legal team can help you speed things up.
Key Timeline: How Long to Settle a Pedestrian Accident Case?
Here’s a simplified timeline that shows the typical settlement process after a pedestrian accident:
| Phase | Estimated Timeframe |
|---|---|
| Medical treatment & recovery | 1–6+ months |
| Investigation & case building | 2–3 months |
| Demand letter to insurance | 2–4 weeks |
| Negotiations & follow-up | 1–3 months |
| Filing a lawsuit (if necessary) | 6–18+ months |
| Settlement or trial | Depends on court schedule |
This visual offers a general idea, every pedestrian accident settlement is unique.
What Affects How Long a Pedestrian Accident Settlement Takes?
1. Severity of Injuries
If you suffered significant injuries, your treatment and recovery may take time. Most lawyers recommend waiting until you’ve reached maximum medical improvement (MMI) before settling, to ensure all future costs are included.
2. Disputes Over Liability
If the driver claims you stepped into traffic unexpectedly, or blames road conditions—your case may take longer to resolve. A key reason pedestrian accident claims are delayed is when both sides argue over who’s truly at fault.
3. Insurance Company Tactics
Unfortunately, some insurers delay responses, ask for excessive documentation, or make lowball offers in hopes you’ll accept quickly. If they’re stalling, you may need to file a lawsuit—which can add months to your case.
4. Whether You File a Lawsuit
Some pedestrian accident claims settle without court involvement. But if negotiations fail or you’re facing an unfair denial, going to court may be the only path forward, even though it adds time to the settlement process.
Should You Settle a Pedestrian Accident Case Early?
It’s tempting to accept a fast payout, especially if you’re struggling financially. But rushing to settle can leave you undercompensated. Once you sign, the case is closed, even if new injuries show up later.
That’s why our best personal injury lawyers in Arizona advise clients to wait until they’ve completed treatment or reached MMI before agreeing to any offer. Your health, and your financial future, deserve full protection.
How to Speed Up Your Pedestrian Accident Settlement
If you want to reduce how long it takes to settle a pedestrian accident, here are steps that help:
- Seek medical treatment immediately
- Keep detailed records of expenses, injuries, and missed work
- Report the incident to police and obtain the report
- Avoid giving statements to the insurance company without a lawyer
- Hire a skilled attorney who handles pedestrian injury cases
Working with our top Arizona legal team ensures your case is taken seriously, and prevents unnecessary delays from insurance companies.
Legal Options if the Settlement Takes Too Long
Sometimes, even with a strong case, insurance companies won’t budge. That’s when your lawyer might recommend litigation. While filing a lawsuit takes longer, it may also result in a higher payout. A good attorney will weigh both the timeline and the potential value of going to court.
What Can You Recover in a Pedestrian Accident Settlement?
No matter how long the case takes, the compensation you’re entitled to may include:
- Emergency and ongoing medical expenses
- Lost income and loss of future earnings
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional trauma
- Disability or permanent injuries
- Wrongful death damages (if a loved one was killed)
How Our Legal Team Can Help You Settle Sooner
At Big Chad Law, we’ve helped countless pedestrian accident victims recover faster, both medically and financially. Our team investigates the crash, gathers medical documentation, and negotiates directly with insurers, so you don’t have to.
We’ll never recommend taking a quick settlement if it means walking away from money you need. Instead, we fight for the biggest return possible, and you won’t pay unless we win.
Call Your Arizona Law Man Today
If you’re asking how long it takes to settle a pedestrian accident, the answer starts with choosing the right legal team. Our best Arizona lawyers are ready to take on the insurance companies and fight for what’s fair, without wasting time. Call us today for a free consultation.