Insurance Safeguards For Pedestrians Without Vehicle Cover

If you're a pedestrian with no vehicle insurance and you're hit by a car, the driver's car insurance should cover you. However, this depends on who was at fault for the accident and whether the driver had the necessary insurance. If the driver is uninsured or flees the scene, you may be able to claim on your own insurance, depending on the type of coverage you have. This could include uninsured motorist coverage, medical payments coverage, or health insurance. In some states, no-fault laws mean that your own insurer covers your damages, even as a pedestrian.

Uninsured Motorist (UM) Coverage

In some states, you can also purchase Uninsured Motorist Property Damage (UMPD) coverage, which pays for repairs to your vehicle if it is damaged by an uninsured driver. However, collision coverage, which is optional and available in every state, can also cover these damages.

UM coverage is typically expressed as two numbers, such as 100/300, which translates to $100,000 in bodily injury coverage per person and $300,000 per accident. The cost of UM coverage varies depending on the state and the insurance provider, but on average, it costs around $136 per year.

It's important to note that UM coverage has exclusions and specific steps that need to be taken after an accident to make a successful claim. For example, some policies may require a police report to be filed and direct physical contact between the vehicle and the pedestrian. It's crucial to carefully review the details, terms, and exclusions of your auto insurance policy to understand your coverage and take the necessary steps to protect your rights.

In summary, UM coverage is essential for protecting yourself and your passengers financially in the event of an accident with an uninsured driver. It provides coverage for medical expenses and other costs that may not be covered by health insurance or the at-fault driver's insurance. By understanding the specifics of your UM coverage and taking the appropriate steps after an accident, you can ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.

Medical Payments Coverage

MedPay can be extremely useful in the event of a pedestrian accident, as it can provide coverage for a range of medical expenses, including ambulance fees, doctor's visits, medication, and physical therapy. It can also cover long-term or permanent injury-related costs. This can be especially beneficial if you do not have health insurance or if your health insurance policy excludes car accident injuries.

To determine if you have Medical Payments Coverage and understand the specifics of your policy, it is recommended to review your car insurance documents or consult with your insurance provider. It is worth noting that insurers are required to offer Medical Payments Coverage to all drivers purchasing car insurance, and it must be rejected in writing for it not to be included in your policy.

In the unfortunate event of a pedestrian accident, having Medical Payments Coverage can provide peace of mind and financial protection. This type of coverage ensures that you can focus on your recovery without worrying about the financial burden of medical expenses. It is always advisable to consult with an experienced attorney who can guide you through the process and help you navigate any complexities that may arise.

In summary, Medical Payments Coverage is a valuable option to consider when purchasing car insurance, as it provides essential protection in the event of a pedestrian accident, ensuring that you or your loved ones have the financial support needed for medical treatment and recovery.

Health Insurance

If you are a pedestrian with no vehicle insurance and are hit by a car, you may be able to use your health insurance coverage to pay for your accident injuries. However, it is important to note that many health insurance policies exclude car accident injuries from their coverage. Therefore, it is advisable to contact your health insurance company to determine whether your policy covers accident injuries.

In the United States, each state has its own requirements for auto insurance. Some states, like New Jersey, follow a "no-fault" system, which means that your insurer covers your damages, including pedestrian injuries, regardless of who is at fault for the accident. The type of coverage that addresses vehicular injuries in these states is called Personal Injury Protection (PIP). However, the minimum amount of PIP coverage may not be sufficient to cover all your medical needs and losses.

Other states, like Pennsylvania, offer a "choice no-fault" option, allowing you to choose between no-fault coverage and fault-based coverage when purchasing your auto insurance policy. If you select fault-based coverage, you retain the right to seek compensation from any at-fault parties instead of claiming from your insurer.

If you live in a state that is not a no-fault state, the driver's auto insurance or your own Personal Injury Protection coverage may cover your injuries if you are a pedestrian hit by a vehicle. Additionally, if the driver is uninsured or flees the scene, you may be able to use your Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage, if you have it, to cover your injuries.

It is worth noting that if you use your health insurance to pay for your accident injuries and later receive a settlement from the at-fault party's insurer, you may need to reimburse your health insurance company for the expenses they covered. Therefore, it is essential to carefully review your insurance policies and understand your coverage options before deciding how to proceed with medical payments.

Personal Injury Protection (PIP)

In addition to medical expenses, PIP coverage often includes payments for lost income, childcare, and funeral costs associated with the accident. This comprehensive approach ensures that individuals and their families are financially supported during challenging times. PIP is especially relevant for pedestrians who may be injured by a vehicle. In such cases, the driver's auto insurance policy usually provides coverage, but if the driver is uninsured or underinsured, PIP can be a vital safety net.

The availability and requirements for PIP coverage vary across the United States. It is mandatory in 15 states and Puerto Rico, including Delaware, Florida, Hawaii, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Pennsylvania, and Utah. These states have established minimum coverage requirements, with maximums typically set by insurance companies, usually not exceeding $25,000.

It is important to note that PIP has limitations and does not cover all scenarios. For instance, it won't cover the injuries of other drivers in a collision or injuries sustained while committing a crime or receiving payment for driving. Therefore, individuals should carefully review their policies and consider additional coverages like bodily injury liability insurance and property damage liability insurance to ensure comprehensive protection.

Overall, Personal Injury Protection (PIP) plays a crucial role in providing financial assistance to those involved in automobile accidents, especially pedestrians, by covering medical expenses and other related costs, regardless of fault. By offering this coverage, insurance companies provide valuable peace of mind and support to individuals and their families during difficult times.

Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage

UIM coverage is designed to fill the gap when the at-fault driver's insurance is insufficient to cover the costs incurred by the insured. This can include medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering compensation. It ensures that individuals are not left financially burdened due to another driver's lack of adequate insurance coverage.

The availability and specifics of UIM coverage can vary by state. In some states, UIM coverage is mandatory, while in others, it may be optional or not offered at all. It is important for individuals to understand the insurance requirements and options in their state to ensure they have the necessary protection.

UIM coverage typically comes into play when the limits of liability carried by the at-fault driver are lower than the UIM limits of the insured, or when the insured's damages exceed the at-fault party's available limits. By having UIM coverage, individuals can have peace of mind knowing that they are protected in the event of an accident involving an underinsured driver.

In addition to UIM coverage, individuals may also consider uninsured motorist (UM) coverage, which provides protection in the event of an accident caused by a driver with no insurance. UM coverage can include uninsured motorist bodily injury (UMBI) and uninsured motorist property damage (UMPD). Together, UIM and UM coverage help ensure that individuals are financially protected in a range of scenarios involving underinsured or uninsured drivers.

Frequently asked questions