Yes, car insurance covers hitting a pedestrian, but how it works depends on the type of coverage you carry and who is at fault. In most cases, your liability insurance pays for the pedestrian’s medical bills, lost wages, and other damages if you are responsible for the accident. If the pedestrian caused or shared the fault, their health insurance or other coverages might help pay for their injuries.
In the United States, pedestrian accidents are unfortunately common. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), over 7,500 pedestrians were killed in traffic crashes in 2022, and more than 60,000 were injured. Many of these incidents happen at night or in busy intersections where visibility is poor. Because of these risks, understanding how car insurance protects both drivers and pedestrians is essential.
Whether it’s a minor accident or a serious injury, the financial impact can be high. A single pedestrian injury claim can exceed $100,000 in medical expenses and legal costs. The good news is that the right car insurance policy can shield you from paying these costs out of pocket.
This guide will explain in detail how insurance applies when you hit a pedestrian, what steps to take right after the accident, and how to protect yourself from future claims. By the end, you will know which coverages help in these situations and how to ensure your insurance is strong enough to handle them.
How Car Insurance Covers Pedestrian Accidents
Car insurance policies in the U.S. are designed to protect both drivers and pedestrians. The type of coverage that applies depends on fault and state laws.
Here’s a quick summary:
| Type of Coverage | Who It Protects | What It Pays For |
| Bodily Injury Liability | The pedestrian | Medical bills, lost wages, and legal expenses |
| Medical Payments (MedPay) | You and your passengers | Medical costs regardless of fault |
| Personal Injury Protection (PIP) | You, passengers, and pedestrians | Medical and lost income, depending on state |
| Uninsured Motorist (UM) | The pedestrian or you | Covers injuries if the at-fault driver is uninsured |
| Collision Coverage | Your vehicle | Repairs to your car after the incident |
Let’s look at how each type of insurance works in more detail.
1. Bodily Injury Liability Coverage
This is the most important coverage when you hit a pedestrian. Every state (except New Hampshire and Virginia) requires drivers to carry minimum liability insurance. This coverage pays for injuries, rehabilitation, and lost income for the pedestrian if you are found at fault.
For example, if you hit a pedestrian in a crosswalk and they suffer leg injuries, your bodily injury liability will pay for their hospital bills, physical therapy, and any legal claims filed against you.
If the total costs exceed your policy limits, you may be personally responsible for the remaining balance. That’s why many financial experts recommend carrying higher coverage limits such as $100,000 per person and $300,000 per accident rather than just the state minimums.
2. Medical Payments Coverage (MedPay)
MedPay is optional in many states, but it’s a valuable add-on. It covers small medical expenses for you, your passengers, and pedestrians injured in an accident involving your car, regardless of fault.
MedPay typically covers:
- Ambulance fees
- Hospital visits
- X-rays and surgery costs
- Funeral expenses
The coverage limit is usually between $1,000 and $10,000, depending on your policy. While it doesn’t replace liability coverage, it helps pay immediate costs before larger claims are processed.
3. Personal Injury Protection (PIP)
Some states, called no-fault states, require Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage. This coverage pays for your medical costs and lost wages after an accident, no matter who caused it. In these states, a pedestrian hit by a car can often file a claim with their own PIP coverage before seeking compensation from the at-fault driver.
PIP also covers:
- Medical expenses for you and your family
- Lost income due to injury
- Rehabilitation or therapy costs
- Death benefits
4. Uninsured or Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UM/UIM)
If you hit a pedestrian and you don’t have enough liability coverage, the pedestrian may turn to their own uninsured motorist policy for compensation. Likewise, if another uninsured driver hits you as a pedestrian, your UM or UIM coverage can pay your medical bills.
This coverage is vital in states with high rates of uninsured drivers like Florida, Mississippi, and Tennessee. It ensures that victims are protected even when the at-fault driver cannot pay.
5. Collision Coverage
Collision coverage pays for damage to your own vehicle after hitting a pedestrian or another object. While the pedestrian’s injuries are covered under liability, your car repair costs will come under collision insurance.
For instance, if you swerve to avoid a person and hit a pole instead, your collision policy helps pay for the repairs after you pay your deductible.
Who Pays if the Pedestrian Is at Fault?
Not every pedestrian accident is automatically the driver’s fault. If the pedestrian ran into the street without looking or crossed outside a crosswalk, they may share or bear full responsibility. In that case, their own health insurance or personal liability coverage might cover their medical expenses.
Some examples of pedestrian negligence include:
- Crossing against the traffic signal
- Walking while distracted by a phone
- Jaywalking or running into traffic
- Being under the influence of alcohol or drugs
However, even if the pedestrian is partly at fault, your liability insurance may still pay a portion of their expenses under your state’s comparative negligence laws.
What to Do Immediately After Hitting a Pedestrian
Accidents involving pedestrians are serious, and what you do next can affect both your insurance claim and legal outcome.
Step 1: Stop and Call 911
Never leave the scene. Call emergency services immediately for medical help and police assistance.
Step 2: Check on the Pedestrian
If safe, assist the pedestrian until help arrives. Showing concern and cooperating with police can make the process smoother.
Step 3: Document the Scene
Take photos of:
- The location and traffic signs
- The pedestrian’s position
- Vehicle damage
- Weather and lighting conditions
Step 4: Exchange Information
Get the pedestrian’s name, contact details, and witness statements. Provide your insurance and driver’s license information to authorities.
Step 5: Contact Your Insurance Company
Report the accident as soon as possible. Explain the situation clearly and submit all documentation. Your insurer will guide you through next steps and investigations.
How Much Compensation Can a Pedestrian Receive?
The amount of compensation depends on the extent of the injury, lost wages, and your policy limits.
| Type of Expense | Typical Range (USD) |
| Medical bills | $5,000 – $150,000 |
| Lost wages | $2,000 – $50,000 |
| Pain and suffering | $10,000 – $100,000 |
| Legal fees | $2,000 – $20,000 |
If the accident causes a permanent disability or death, the amount can exceed your liability limits. That’s why drivers often choose umbrella insurance for added protection beyond standard policy limits.
How Fault Is Determined in Pedestrian Accidents
Insurance companies and law enforcement use multiple factors to determine who was responsible:
- Police reports and witness statements
- Traffic camera or dashcam footage
- Speed and braking evidence
- Location of the pedestrian (crosswalk or roadway)
- Visibility conditions and driver reaction time
In no-fault states, each party’s insurance covers their own injuries regardless of fault. In at-fault states, the driver’s liability coverage handles the pedestrian’s medical and legal expenses.
Do You Need a Lawyer After Hitting a Pedestrian?
In serious cases involving major injuries or disputed faults, hiring a lawyer can help protect your rights. An attorney can:
- Negotiate with the insurance company
- Handle communication with the pedestrian’s lawyer
- Represent you if a lawsuit is filed
Most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency basis, meaning they are paid only if you win the case.
How to Avoid Hitting a Pedestrian
Prevention is always better than dealing with claims. Safe driving habits reduce your risk and keep everyone safer.
Safety tips for drivers:
- Slow down near schools, intersections, and crosswalks.
- Avoid distractions like texting or eating.
- Be alert in parking lots and residential areas.
- Use headlights in low visibility conditions.
- Never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Good driving not only prevents accidents but also helps keep your insurance rates low. You can also explore how to lower your premiums in Save Money on Car Insurance.
How a Pedestrian Can Be Compensated Without a Car Involved
Even if a car doesn’t directly hit a pedestrian, insurance may still apply. For example, if a driver swerves and causes a pedestrian to fall or get injured by debris, the driver’s liability insurance may still cover the claim.
Pedestrians can also use their health insurance, PIP coverage, or uninsured motorist policy (if they own a car) to cover medical expenses.
Does Hitting a Pedestrian Affect Your Car Insurance Premium?
Yes, it can. If you are found at fault, your insurance premium may increase at renewal. However, if you were not negligent, or if the pedestrian caused the accident, your rates may stay the same.
Factors influencing a premium increase:
- Severity of the injury
- Amount paid out by your insurer
- Whether the case goes to court
- Your prior accident history
Drivers with accident forgiveness programs may avoid rate hikes for their first claim.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes, but depending on state laws, your insurer may still pay first and recover costs later if the pedestrian was mostly responsible.
If it was a genuine accident and you stayed at the scene, jail is unlikely. Charges depend on negligence or reckless behavior.
The driver’s liability insurance usually pays, unless the pedestrian was primarily at fault or in a no-fault state.
Maintain a clean driving record, keep your car in a locked garage, and join a recognized car club for possible discounts.
Your insurance company provides legal defense and covers settlements up to your policy limit.
If proven through witnesses or cameras, you may not be held liable. Always gather evidence.
Final Thoughts
Hitting a pedestrian can be one of the most stressful events a driver faces, but having the right car insurance coverage can protect you financially and legally. Whether through liability, PIP, or MedPay, your policy ensures that injuries and damages are handled without crippling expenses.
If you want peace of mind knowing your insurance covers these serious situations, Alias Insurance helps you compare free quotes from top U.S. providers. Secure coverage that keeps you and others protected every time you drive.
