If you’ve hit a pedestrian even accidentally your first thought might be: does my car insurance cover pedestrian injuries? The short answer is usually yes, but how much and under what conditions depends on your policy, your state’s laws, and the details of the accident. This isn’t just about paperwork. It’s about real people getting hurt, medical bills piling up, and figuring out who pays for what when someone gets struck while walking.

What part of my policy actually covers this?

Most auto policies include bodily injury liability coverage. That’s the section that kicks in when you’re at fault and someone else including a pedestrian gets hurt. It can pay for their medical treatment, lost wages, or even pain and suffering, up to your policy limits. If you live in a no-fault state, things work differently your own personal injury protection (PIP) might cover some costs regardless of who caused the crash.

But here’s where people get tripped up: if you only carry the state minimum coverage, it might not be enough. A serious injury can easily exceed $50,000 in medical bills. That’s why raising your liability limits before an accident happens is one of the smartest moves you can make.

What if the pedestrian was jaywalking or crossing against the light?

Even if the pedestrian wasn’t following traffic rules, your insurance may still respond. Insurance companies often pay something to avoid a lawsuit, especially if there’s any question about who was really at fault. But your insurer might try to argue “comparative negligence” meaning the pedestrian shares some blame to reduce the payout. That’s common in cases like when someone is hit while walking on a sidewalk, where drivers are usually expected to yield.

Will my rates go up if I file a claim for hitting a pedestrian?

Probably. If you’re found at fault even partially your insurer will likely raise your premium at renewal. How much depends on your driving history, where you live, and how severe the accident was. Some insurers offer accident forgiveness for first-time incidents, but don’t count on it unless it’s written into your policy.

What mistakes do people make after hitting a pedestrian?

  • Leaving the scene. Even if you think no one saw you or the person seems fine, leaving can turn a civil issue into a criminal one.
  • Admitting fault at the scene. Say “I’m sorry” if you want, but don’t say “It was my fault.” Let the facts and investigation sort that out.
  • Not calling their insurance right away. Delaying the report can give your insurer reason to deny the claim later.
  • Assuming their policy covers everything. Many are shocked to learn their limits are too low especially in high-cost medical cases or if the pedestrian files a lawsuit.

How much could a pedestrian injury claim cost me?

There’s no fixed number. Minor injuries might settle for a few thousand dollars. Serious ones broken bones, brain trauma, long rehab can run into six or seven figures. For example, settlements for pedestrians struck in intersections often climb higher because those accidents tend to involve more speed and impact. If your policy maxes out at $100,000 and the claim is $300,000, you could be personally responsible for the difference.

Should I talk to a lawyer if I hit a pedestrian?

If the injuries are serious or the other side hires an attorney, yes. Your insurance company will assign you a lawyer if you’re sued, but that lawyer works for the insurer not you. If you’re worried about being underinsured or facing personal liability, getting independent advice is wise. In places like Augusta, local attorneys who handle these cases daily can help you understand your exposure you can find one through resources like this directory.

Is there a time limit to file or respond to these claims?

Absolutely. Every state has a statute of limitations. In Maine, for instance, you generally have two years to file a lawsuit after a pedestrian accident see the full timeline here. Other states range from one to six years. Don’t assume you’re safe just because the pedestrian hasn’t said anything yet. Delays happen, especially when injuries take time to fully appear.

What should I do right now if this just happened?

  1. Call 911 and stay at the scene.
  2. Take photos vehicle damage, road conditions, crosswalks, traffic signals.
  3. Get contact info from witnesses.
  4. Notify your insurance company today, not tomorrow.
  5. Don’t post about it on social media. Seriously. Adjusters look.
  6. Review your policy declarations page. Know your limits.
  7. If the claim looks big or complicated, consider consulting a lawyer even just for a quick chat.

For more specifics on how claims unfold after a pedestrian collision, including real scenarios and how coverage applies, you can read our breakdown here.

And if you’re still unsure whether your current coverage is enough, check with your agent. Ask: “If I hit someone walking, what’s the most my policy would pay?” Write down the answer. Then ask: “What would it cost to double that limit?” Sometimes it’s less than you think and far cheaper than paying out of pocket later.

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