Expert Advice and Affordable Rates: Will your Car Insurance cover you if you hit a pedestrian?

Will your Car Insurance cover you if you hit a pedestrian?

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By Amanda Moss | Licensed Agent at Learnandserve.org | Powered by A Plus Insurance

There are two types of insurance a person can get:

Liability Only or Full Coverage

Liability car insurance covers the cost of damage or injury that you may cause to other people or their property while driving. Specifically, it covers:

1. Bodily Injury: This covers medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages for any injuries that you may cause to others in an accident.

2. Property Damage: This covers the cost of damage to other people’s property, such as their car or fence.

It’s important to note that liability insurance only covers damages or injuries to others and their property, not your own.

That brings us to Full Coverage, which is Liability + Comprehensive/Collision.

Collision covers the cost of repairing or replacing your own vehicle if you are in an accident while Comprehensive covers damage to your car from non-collision events, such as theft, vandalism, fire, or natural disasters.

Additional Coverages are available as well, such as:

• Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist
• Medical Payments
• Personal Injury Protection
• Roadside Assistance/Towing
• Rental Reimbursement

So now, what would be covered in the event a pedestrian was hit by a vehicle?

If you hit a pedestrian with your car, your car insurance should cover the damages and injuries you may have caused. Specifically, your liability insurance will cover the pedestrian’s medical bills, lost wages, and other damages up to the limits of your policy.

If you have additional coverage, such as personal injury protection (PIP) or uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, those may also come into play depending on the circumstances of the accident.

Why? well, there are a few factors that we need to take into consideration. For example, the circumstances that led to the incident and the laws in the State or area where the accident occurred.

What do we mean by this?

If you were driving recklessly, under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or intentionally hit the pedestrian, your insurance company may not cover you. In addition, if the pedestrian sues you for damages that exceed your policy limits, you may be personally liable for the excess amount.

If you’re involved in an accident with a pedestrian, it’s important to contact your insurance company as soon as possible to report it.

If you were driving recklessly, under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or intentionally hit the pedestrian, your insurance company may not cover you. In addition, if the pedestrian sues you for damages that exceed your policy limits, you may be personally liable for the excess amount.

Car insurance Coverage and an accident involving a Pedestrian

1. Liability Coverage

• Bodily Injury Liability: This coverage pays for the medical expenses and other damages of the pedestrian if the driver is at fault. It also covers legal expenses if the pedestrian decides to sue.
• Property Damage Liability: If the pedestrian’s property, such as their clothing or personal belongings, is damaged in the accident, property damage liability coverage may apply.

2. Personal Injury Protection (PIP) or Medical Payments Coverage

• Driver’s Coverage: If the driver has PIP or medical payments coverage, it may help cover their own medical expenses resulting from the accident, regardless of fault.

3. Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage

• Pedestrian’s Coverage: If the pedestrian has uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, it may provide compensation for their injuries if the driver doesn’t have adequate liability coverage or if they flee the scene (hit-and-run).

4. Exclusions and Limits

• Policy Exclusions: Some insurance policies may have exclusions for certain types of accidents, such as intentional acts or incidents involving illegal activities.
• Coverage Limits: The amount of coverage available depends on the policy’s coverage limits. If the pedestrian’s damages exceed the driver’s policy limits, they may pursue additional compensation through other means, such as their health insurance or a lawsuit against the driver.

5. Investigation and Claims Process

• Claims Investigation: The insurance company will investigate the accident to determine liability. This may involve gathering statements from the driver, pedestrian, and any witnesses, as well as reviewing police reports and other evidence.
• Claims Settlement: If the driver is found at fault, their insurance company will typically negotiate a settlement with the pedestrian’s insurance company or attorney to compensate for the pedestrian’s injuries and damages.

6. Legal Consequences

• Legal Proceedings: In addition to insurance claims, the driver may face legal consequences, such as citations, fines, or even criminal charges, depending on the severity of the accident and the circumstances involved.
• Civil Lawsuits: The pedestrian may also choose to pursue a civil lawsuit against the driver for additional compensation, especially if their injuries are severe or permanent.

7. Prevention and Safety Measures

• Safe Driving Practices: Drivers should always exercise caution, obey traffic laws, and remain vigilant for pedestrians, especially in areas with high foot traffic.
• Pedestrian Safety: Pedestrians should also take precautions to stay safe, such as using crosswalks, obeying traffic signals, and avoiding distractions while walking near roadways.

Learn more about full coverage auto insurance here.

Learn more about liability only auto insurance here.

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Last Updated on March 6, 2024 by Marlon Moss