What Role Does Insurance Play in a New Haven Pedestrian Accident?

When you are struck by a vehicle while walking, insurance becomes a critical lifeline during your recovery. This coverage can help pay for important expenses during this challenging time, including your medical care, lost wages, and property repairs. Numerous policies may apply, from the driver’s auto insurance to your health coverage, and potentially even homeowner’s insurance. 

If you have been hit by a vehicle while crossing the street, contact our New Haven pedestrian accident attorneys at Lynch, Traub, Keefe, & Errante today. Call (203) 333-3333 for a free consultation.

Who Pays for a Pedestrian Accident in Connecticut?

Connecticut operates under an at-fault insurance system. This means the person responsible for causing the accident is financially liable for the resulting damages. When a driver hits a pedestrian, their insurance company is typically responsible for covering the pedestrian’s damages.

This fault-based system differs from no-fault states where each person’s insurance covers their own injuries regardless of who caused the accident. In Connecticut, determining liability is an important step because it establishes which insurance policy will provide primary coverage for your injuries.

Available Forms of Insurance Coverage After an Accident

Several types of insurance may come into play after a pedestrian accident:

• The driver’s liability insurance provides the primary source of compensation when a motorist hits a pedestrian. Connecticut law requires drivers to carry minimum liability coverage of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury.
• Uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage may apply if the driver who hit you has insufficient or no insurance. You must purchase this optional policy as an addition to your own liability insurance coverage.
• Medical payments (MedPay) or personal injury protection (PIP) insurance may cover your immediate medical expenses regardless of fault. Like UM/UIM coverage, MedPay and PIP are purchased as optional additions to your own auto insurance policy.
• Health insurance can cover your medical treatments while you pursue compensation from other sources. However, your health insurer may place a lien on any settlement you receive, requiring reimbursement for payments they made on your behalf.
• Certain third-party insurance policies may apply in certain circumstances. For example, if poor road maintenance contributed to the accident, a government entity’s liability policy might provide coverage. If the accident occurred on private property, the owner’s insurance could apply.

How a New Haven Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Can Help You Find the Right Path to Compensation

When you are struck by a vehicle while walking, the injuries are often severe and life-altering. You may require substantial compensation to cover your long-term medical needs and rehabilitation expenses, as well as account for the permanent disabilities or diminished quality of life that you have endured. However, without legal representation, you may find yourself at a significant disadvantage. 

Insurance adjusters are skilled negotiators whose primary goal is minimizing payouts, not providing the compensation you need to recover. They may pressure you to accept an early, inadequate settlement before you fully understand the long-term impact of your injuries. In these situations, a car accident lawyer in New Haven can thoroughly investigate your case, document all damages, and aggressively advocate for maximum compensation on your behalf. 

With a New Haven pedestrian accident lawyer on your side, you can parse through the available forms of insurance coverage and begin your journey to a full and fair recovery. Schedule a free legal consultation today to discuss your pedestrian accident case and plan your next steps.