Understanding Uninsured Motorist Coverage For Pedestrian Accidents

When drivers hit a pedestrian, their insurance is expected to cover medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. But what happens when the driver has no insurance at all? This is where uninsured motorist coverage becomes incredibly important for pedestrian accident victims.

What Is Uninsured Motorist Coverage?

Uninsured motorist coverage, often called UM coverage, is part of your own auto insurance policy. It protects you when someone without insurance causes an accident that results in your injuries. Many people don’t realize this coverage extends beyond car-on-car collisions. It also applies when you’re on foot. If you get hit while walking across a street, through a parking lot, or along a sidewalk, your UM coverage can step in to compensate you for injuries. The coverage treats you as if the at-fault driver actually had insurance, even though they don’t.

How UM Coverage Protects Pedestrians

You might wonder how your car insurance helps you when you weren’t even in a vehicle. The answer is straightforward. Your policy follows you as an insured person, not just as a driver. This means the protection travels with you whether you’re behind the wheel, riding as a passenger, or walking down the street.

When an uninsured driver strikes you, you file a claim against your own insurance company. Your insurer essentially stands in for the absent coverage the other driver should have carried. At Strong Law Accident & Injury Attorneys, we help clients understand how to access this often-overlooked protection.

What UM Coverage Pays For

Uninsured motorist coverage typically compensates victims for several types of damages:

• Medical expenses, including emergency treatment, surgery, rehabilitation, and ongoing care
• Lost income from time off work during recovery
• Future earnings if injuries prevent you from returning to your previous job
• Pain and suffering related to your injuries
• Permanent disability or disfigurement

The amount available depends on your policy limits. If you carry $100,000 in UM coverage, that’s the maximum your insurer will pay for injuries from an uninsured driver.

Utah’s UM Coverage Requirements

Utah law requires insurance companies to offer uninsured motorist coverage when you purchase a policy. You can reject it, but you must do so in writing. Most people accept the coverage without thinking much about it, which turns out to be a smart decision when accidents happen. Your UM limits must match your liability limits unless you specifically request lower amounts. If you have $250,000 in liability coverage, your insurer will automatically provide $250,000 in UM coverage unless you opt down.

Filing A UM Claim After A Pedestrian Accident

The process starts with notifying your insurance company about the accident. You’ll need to provide details about what happened, information about the driver who hit you, and documentation of your injuries. Your insurer will investigate the claim just as they would if you were filing against another company. They’ll review police reports, medical records, and witness statements. A Sandy pedestrian accident lawyer can help you gather the right evidence and present a strong claim.

A Sandy pedestrian accident lawyer understands how insurance companies handle UM claims and what tactics they use to reduce payments. We work to document your injuries thoroughly, calculate the true cost of your accident, and negotiate for the maximum compensation available under your policy. If you’ve been hurt by an uninsured driver while on foot, contact our team to discuss your options and learn how we can help you recover what you’re owed.