What role does insurance play for a pedestrian injured in an accident, especially if I don't have any?

Insurance plays a significant role for a pedestrian injured in an accident, even if you don't have any insurance coverage yourself. Learning about insurance coverage and how it applies to your accident-related damages can help you pursue a fair settlement for your injuries and other losses.

How Can Insurance Come Into Play After a Pedestrian Accident?

Here's how insurance can come into play in such a situation:

Driver's liability insurance. If you were injured as a pedestrian due to the negligence of a driver, the driver's liability insurance should cover your medical expenses and other damages. In most cases, drivers are required to carry liability insurance to compensate victims in the event of an accident they cause.

Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. If the driver who caused the accident does not have insurance (uninsured) or their insurance coverage is insufficient to fully compensate you for your injuries (underinsured), you may still have options for compensation. If you have uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage as part of your own auto insurance policy, you can make a claim under this coverage, even if you were a pedestrian at the time of the accident. This coverage is designed to protect you if you are injured by a driver who lacks adequate insurance.

MedPay or personal injury protection. If you have MedPay or PIP coverage as part of your auto insurance policy, it may cover your medical expenses and related costs resulting from the accident, regardless of who was at fault. These coverages are sometimes referred to as "no-fault" insurance because they pay out regardless of fault.

Health insurance. If you have health insurance, it can cover a portion of your medical expenses. However, health insurance may require you to repay any benefits received from a settlement or judgment, depending on your policy's terms and the laws in your jurisdiction.

Third-party insurance. In some cases, there may be third-party insurance policies that could apply to your situation. For example, if the accident occurred on someone's property, their homeowner's insurance might provide coverage.

Government liability. If the accident involved a government-owned vehicle or occurred on government property, you might have a claim against the government entity. However, claims against government agencies often have strict notice and filing requirements, so it's essential to act promptly.

Should I Hire An Attorney After Being Struck By a Negligent Motorist?

If you don't have any insurance coverage yourself, it's particularly important to consult with a pedestrian accident lawyer who can assess your situation and explore all possible avenues for compensation. An attorney can help navigate the complexities of insurance claims, identify available sources of coverage, and advocate for your rights to ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries and losses as a pedestrian injured in an accident.

Contact Us Today

If you were struck by a negligent motorist while out walking around your neighborhood, don't settle for less than you deserve. Schedule a free consultation with a pedestrian accident lawyer at MVP Accident Attorneys to discuss your case and explore your legal options. Our dedicated team will fight tirelessly to protect your rights and ensure you obtain the compensation you deserve for all accident-related damages. Contact us today to learn more.