How Long Does It Take to Settle a Pedestrian Accident?..

Getting hit as a pedestrian doesn’t just leave you injured—it can derail your routine, your income, and your sense of stability. Medical bills start piling up, work becomes uncertain, and healing takes both time and energy you didn’t plan to spend. Naturally, many people in this situation want to know, “How long does it take to settle a pedestrian accident in Denver?”

At Fang Accident Lawyers, we’ve worked closely with injured individuals throughout Colorado and fully understand the urgency behind that question. Each case is different, but most follow the same general steps. The timeline often depends on a few key issues that can either delay progress or help resolve things more quickly—sometimes even before litigation becomes necessary.

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Timeline of a Pedestrian Accident Case

In Colorado, personal injury claims must be filed within two years of the date the accident occurred. This deadline, outlined in the Colorado Revised Statutes § 13-80-102, is critical—missing it could mean losing your right to seek compensation altogether.

That’s why timing matters. To understand how long it takes to settle a pedestrian accident claim, it’s important to break down the stages of the process. Each phase, from medical recovery to negotiating with insurance companies, plays a role in how quickly or slowly your case moves forward.

Medical Treatment and Recovery

Before settlement talks can begin in earnest, your treatment usually needs to reach a steady point. This is known as maximum medical improvement (MMI)—the stage where your doctors believe further recovery is unlikely. At that point, it becomes easier to assess your long-term care needs and estimate future medical expenses with more confidence.

Investigation and Case Building

Your attorney will gather evidence including police reports, medical records, photos, surveillance footage, witness statements, and any available dashcam or traffic camera recordings.

Demand Letter to Insurance

Once your damages are documented, your attorney will draft and send a demand letter to the liable party’s insurance company. This outlines your claim, including the injuries, financial losses, and legal justification for your request. The insurer typically takes 30–45 days to respond.

Negotiations and Follow-Up

Insurers often make low initial offers. Negotiations may require several rounds of back-and-forth, especially in cases involving high-value claims, disputed liability, or incomplete medical treatment. If negotiations fail, your lawyer may prepare for litigation, which can add several months to over a year to the process.

How Long Can a Pedestrian Accident Case Take to Settle?

Most pedestrian accident claims in Colorado are resolved somewhere between six months and a year and a half, but there’s no one-size-fits-all timeline.

Cases with minor injuries and no dispute over fault tend to move faster, sometimes wrapping up in as little as six to eight months. If there are disagreements about medical treatment or questions about who caused the accident, things can stretch to nine to twelve months. When injuries are more serious or liability is unclear, it’s not uncommon for a case to take a year or longer, especially if it ends up in court.

Every situation is different, but having a knowledgeable attorney guiding the process can make a significant difference in keeping things on track.

Factors That Can Increase the Length of a Pedestrian Claim

Several variables can delay the settlement process. These are often outside your immediate control but can be managed strategically with proper legal representation.

• Severity of injuries: Longer treatment periods delay settlement negotiations until damages can be fully calculated.
• Unclear liability: If it’s not immediately evident who caused the accident, investigations and expert witness evaluations may extend timelines.
• Multiple parties involved: When more than one driver or insurer is responsible, coordination and negotiations take longer.
• Low initial settlement offers: Insurance companies may intentionally delay or offer low figures hoping you’ll settle early.
• Incomplete medical documentation: Missing or inconsistent records may force your attorney to pause negotiations.
• Insurance company tactics: Delays are often built into the claims process to frustrate victims into settling for less.
• Pending criminal or DUI charges: If the driver who struck you is facing criminal charges, your civil case may be paused until the outcome of the criminal matter is clear.

Damages Recoverable

If you were hit while walking in Denver, you may be able to seek compensation for a range of losses—what the law refers to as “damages.” The amount and type of damages available depend on how the crash happened and how seriously you were hurt.

Economic damages focus on the out-of-pocket expenses tied to your injury, and they typically include emergency treatment, hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation, and other related medical costs. They may also compensate you for wages lost during your recovery and any lasting impact on your ability to earn income in the future.

Non-economic damages compensate for more subjective impacts like pain, emotional suffering, and diminished quality of life. According to the Colorado Revised Statutes § 13-21-102.5, this includes nonpecuniary harm such as emotional stress, inconvenience, and loss of life enjoyment.

In rare cases involving gross negligence or willful misconduct—such as when a driver was intoxicated—state law allows for punitive damages, but only under strict legal standards. These are not automatically awarded and must be pursued carefully with supporting evidence.

Colorado places limits on some non-economic damages and sets strict standards for punitive claims. That’s why having an experienced attorney is essential to properly evaluate your case and make sure every form of compensation you’re entitled to is thoroughly pursued.

Get Legal Help to Settle Your Case

Pedestrian accident settlements in Denver often involve more complexity than expected. Insurance companies act fast to protect their interests, and missing records or delayed care can weaken your case. At Fang Accident Lawyers, we focus on representing injured pedestrians and guiding them through recovery after serious accidents. From day one, we work to defend your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.

If you’re wondering how long it takes to settle a pedestrian accident, the answer depends on factors unique to your case, but legal help can prevent delays. The sooner we get started, the better your chances of a fair, timely outcome. Call 720-379-6363 for a free consultation. We’re ready to help.