Uninsured Motorist Coverage for Pedestrians and Cyclists: What You Need to Know

Accidents involving pedestrians and cyclists are regrettably common in Virginia and across the United States, often resulting in severe injuries or tragic fatalities. In these challenging times, it becomes paramount for individuals to understand their rights and explore avenues for compensation, especially if you find that the driver of the vehicle was uninsured at the time of the accident.

It’s crucial to educate yourself on uninsured motorist coverage options, the obstacles you may face when seeking compensation for your injuries, and the importance of seeking legal guidance following an accident.

The Challenges of Insurance Coverage

When a car hits a pedestrian, the driver’s liability insurance is generally required to cover the expenses and damages you face. However, in cases where the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured, it can be incredibly complicated to recover the needed compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain, suffering, and inconvenience. If the victim has their own auto insurance policy, they may be able to turn to their own policy for compensation when injured by an uninsured or underinsured driver. In the state of Virginia, any liability policy also carries the same amount of uninsured/underinsured coverage. If you have your own auto policy, ensuring that you have enough of a safety net to protect you from uninsured or underinsured drivers is extremely important. Additionally, Virginia passed a law recently that allows “stacking” of the injured parties policy on top of the insurance compensation available from the defendant’s policy. This is very beneficial if the at fault driver is carrying the minimum coverage and provides more insurance coverage for the injured person. 

Alternative Options for Non-Insured Pedestrians and Cyclists

But what happens if the pedestrian or cyclist involved in an accident with an uninsured driver doesn’t have their own auto policy? Fortunately, there are possible solutions for these situations. This also highlights why it’s a good idea to hire a personal injury attorney to help find the needed coverage to secure proper compensation. If the injured party is without their own auto insurance policy but they live with a relative that does have one, they could potentially obtain coverage and compensation through their relative’s policy. Another option could be locating the vehicle owner’s policy. Many times, the driver of the vehicle is not the owner. Finding the owner of the vehicle may provide another source of coverage. When you are dealing with a pedestrian or cyclist accident, it’s in your best interest to have an experience personal injury attorney in your corner. This is especially true if the at fault driver lacks insurance coverage. An experienced personal injury attorney has the knowledge and resources to uncover all available policies that can help provide the compensation you deserve.

Legal Guidance After an Accident

As a pedestrian hit by a car, an accident’s aftermath can be extremely difficult. Navigating the legal system and handling insurance claims seems nearly impossible, mainly when dealing with injuries and the need for medical care. It is recommended to promptly seek legal counsel, as an attorney can assist you in understanding your rights as a pedestrian, finding all options for insurance coverage, and help you obtain the best possible outcome to be fully and fairly compensated.

Huffman & Huffman Law Firm: Your Trusted Legal Partners

With over 150 years of combined experience, Huffman & Huffman Brothers-in-Law personal injury law firm understands the challenges individuals face after being involved in an accident due to another driver’s negligence. Our dedicated personal injury team is committed to doing everything in our power to help you protect your rights and seek justice. We take control of all the legal tasks required for your case, allowing you to focus on your recovery while knowing that your legal rights and best interests are safeguarded.

Schedule A Consultation Now with Huffman & Huffman

Accidents can happen anytime, and Huffman & Huffman Brothers-in-Law is always available to speak with you about your case. Our compassionate personal injury lawyers are ready to put their experience and dedication to work for you. Contact us now for a free consultation to start your case today. We acknowledge the urgency and significance of your situation and stand ready to assist you in navigating the details and securing the compensation you deserve.