Getting hit by a car while walking can leave you with serious injuries, mounting medical bills, and endless questions about who is going to pay for it all. In New Jersey, pedestrian accident insurance coverage depends on a combination of your own policy (if you have one), the driver’s coverage, and other options like uninsured motorist protection.
Understanding where your compensation will come from isn’t always straightforward. Between New Jersey’s no-fault rules and varying insurance policies, even a minor accident can result in a major insurance headache. That’s where a knowledgeable legal team makes all the difference.
At Glugeth & Pierguidi, P.C., we help injured pedestrians navigate the complexities of their claims. With over 30 years of combined legal experience, our attorneys know how to handle pedestrian claims efficiently and strategically. If you’re struggling to get answers or a fair payout, we’re here to make sure you don’t get left behind.
Read on to learn whether car insurance covers pedestrian accidents and, if so, what types of insurance cover pedestrian accidents.
Does Car Insurance Cover Pedestrian Accidents in New Jersey?
Yes, car insurance generally covers pedestrian accidents in New Jersey. However, determining which policy pays depends on several factors, such as whether you have your own car insurance or if the driver was uninsured at the time of the accident.
What Insurance Covers Pedestrian Accidents?
When a pedestrian is hit by a car, pedestrian injury coverage may come from:
- Personal Injury Protection (PIP)—from the pedestrian’s own auto insurance policy;
- The driver’s auto insurance—when the driver’s negligence caused the crash, and your damages exceed your PIP limits; and
- Uninsured or underinsured motorist (UM/UIM)—coverage if the at-fault driver has no or insufficient insurance.
Each of these options serves a different purpose and has its own limits. Understanding how they interact is key to ensuring your medical bills and related losses are fully covered.
Your Personal Auto Insurance and PIP Coverage
If you have a car registered in New Jersey, your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits typically cover your injuries even when you’re struck as a pedestrian. PIP is part of your no-fault coverage, meaning it pays for medical costs regardless of who caused the accident.
Your pedestrian injury coverage under PIP may include:
- Medical expenses,
- Lost wages if you’re unable to work,
- Essential services like household help if you’re disabled, and
- Death and funeral benefits (in fatal cases).
Standard PIP coverage can reach up to $250,000 per person per accident. However, some drivers opt for lower coverage amounts to lower their premiums.
Even though you weren’t driving, your PIP “follows you.” It covers you while walking, biking, or even as a passenger. This immediate coverage ensures you receive medical treatment right away without waiting for fault to be determined.
However, PIP doesn’t cover everything. It excludes noneconomic damages, such as pain and suffering, which must be pursued separately against the at-fault driver.
Other Driver’s Insurance
In New Jersey, once your own Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage is exhausted, your next potential source of compensation is the at-fault driver’s liability insurance. This insurance typically comes into play when your injuries are severe enough to exceed your PIP limits or fall outside what PIP covers, such as pain and suffering.
New Jersey law requires all drivers to carry minimum amounts of liability insurance, including:
- $25,000 for bodily injury per person,
- $50,000 for bodily injury per accident, and
- $25,000 for property damage.
These limits can provide essential coverage for pedestrians who suffer significant injuries.
However, in severe injury cases, those policy limits may not come close to covering the full extent of your losses, especially if you’ve endured surgery, rehabilitation, or long-term disability. In these situations, you may need to explore other sources of recovery, including underinsured or uninsured motorist coverage, which we’ll address next.
Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Insurance
Unfortunately, some drivers on New Jersey roads have no insurance or not enough to cover your losses. That’s where uninsured and underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage becomes essential.
If the driver who hit you fled the scene or lacked sufficient coverage, your own UM/UIM policy can step in to pay for your medical expenses, lost income, and other damages. These policies act as a safety net, ensuring you’re not left uncompensated simply because the at-fault driver failed to carry adequate insurance.
UM/UIM coverage can be complex to navigate. An experienced pedestrian accident lawyer can review your insurance and ensure every available coverage option is used to maximize your recovery.
Were You a Pedestrian Hit By a Car? Here’s What to Do After an Accident
If you’ve been hit by a car, what you do immediately afterward can have a significant impact on your health and your insurance claim. Here are the most important steps to take:
- Call 911 right away. Request medical help and ensure police respond to the scene to document the crash.
- Seek medical treatment immediately. Even if you feel fine, it is essential to seek medical attention at the scene or follow up with your primary care doctor promptly.
- Collect information. Get the driver’s name, license plate number, insurance details, and contact information.
- Gather evidence. Photograph the accident scene, crosswalks, traffic signals, and visible injuries.
- Obtain witness information. If anyone saw the accident, their statements may help your case.
- Notify your insurance company. Report the accident promptly to preserve your rights.
- Contact an attorney. A pedestrian accident lawyer can help determine who’s responsible and ensure your claim is handled correctly.
Following these steps helps protect your health and strengthens your ability to recover fair compensation for your injuries.
Contact Us and Learn What Pedestrian Injury Coverage You Are Eligible For
Dealing with pedestrian accident insurance coverage can be frustrating, especially when companies try to deny or minimize your claim. You shouldn’t have to navigate the system alone while recovering from serious injuries.
At Glugeth & Pierguidi, P.C., we understand what’s at stake. Our attorneys personally handle every case with care, precision, and open communication.
If you were injured as a pedestrian in New Jersey, contact Glugeth & Pierguidi, P.C. today for a free consultation. We’ll review your insurance options, help you file your pedestrian injury car insurance claim, and work tirelessly to secure the compensation you need to move forward.
David Pierguidi and Jared Glugeth understand how hard it may be for you and your family following an accident resulting from someone’s negligent actions. Get the medical treatment you need right away and then call our law firm at any time of day for answers to your questions.
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