Does Auto Insurance Cover Accidents With Pedestrians?

Pedestrians, bicyclists and motorcyclists share the roads with motorists yet can be difficult to see. Drive long enough and you’ll eventually encounter a situation in or near Green Valley, AZ where you have a near-miss or even an accident involving a pedestrian.

In such an instance, does insurance cover the losses? Insurance Center of Green Valley has the answer.

Insurance Coverage in Pedestrian Accidents

In the vast majority of instances involving car accidents with pedestrians, auto insurance coverage is applicable. Though both parties might share a percentage of fault, there’s a good chance the auto insurance policy will be applicable.

Oftentimes, pedestrians are difficult to see or venture waywardly into roads, meaning there’s not much drivers can do to avoid them. Therefore, auto insurance is likely to cover resulting losses up to the policy ceiling.

There are some instances in which fault lies with parties other than the driver or the pedestrian. In those instances, third parties might be found fully or partially at fault, meaning their insurance policies will be applicable.

As an example, if the car was defective and that defect or malfunction caused the accident, the manufacturer might be held legally liable. It is also possible that the owner of the vehicle who wasn’t driving at the time might be found liable if he or she negligently let another individual drive the automobile.

Moreover, there is also the potential for the employer of the driver to be liable. If the vehicle that struck the pedestrian was used for work purposes, a vicarious liability claim against the employer can be pursued.

Liability Insurance

In general, damages resulting from accidents with pedestrians are covered by the motorist’s insurance coverage. Whether the causally related costs take the form of a settlement or judgment obtained against that driver, insurance will likely apply through the liability portion of the policy.

Liability insurance covers the costs related to pedestrian injury, medical bills and death. However, payouts are capped at policy limits. Therefore, pedestrians do not need any type of personal insurance to safeguard against losses caused by physical contact with automobiles. Rather, auto insurance carried by drivers covers costs as opposed to a form of pedestrian insurance.

Insurance Center of Green Valley

Serving Green Valley, AZ, we provide fair auto insurance rates for peace of mind. Reach out to Insurance Center of Green Valley today to learn more about our auto coverage options.