Over the weekend, a Chili resident was struck by a vehicle while walking across the street. Thankfully, their injuries were reported as non-life-threatening.
What made this situation especially concerning was that the driver had three major strikes:
- The vehicle was not registered
- The vehicle was not insured
- The driver did not have a valid license
Despite every reason to flee, the driver stayed at the scene until police and emergency services arrived — and that deserves recognition.
But once the immediate crisis passes, a bigger question always comes up:
Who pays for the pedestrian’s medical bills and lost wages?
The Answer Surprises Most People
In New York State, if you are injured as a pedestrian by a motor vehicle, your own personal auto insurance policy may provide coverage — even though you weren’t driving.
How PIP Coverage Works for Pedestrians
New York is a no-fault state, which means Personal Injury Protection (PIP) is designed to pay for:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Certain out-of-pocket costs
If you carry an auto policy, your PIP coverage follows you, even when you’re walking. That means your policy can step in and pay benefits regardless of who caused the accident.
NY policies include $50,000 of basic PIP coverage.
What Happens If PIP Isn’t Enough?
Serious injuries can quickly exceed basic PIP limits. That’s where Supplemental Uninsured Motorist (SUM) coverage may come into play.
If the at-fault driver has no insurance, SUM coverage can provide an additional layer of protection after PIP is exhausted. In situations like this, the injured pedestrian may have two separate buckets of coverage under their own auto policy:
- PIP for immediate medical bills and lost wages
- SUM coverage for additional damages once PIP limits are reached
Why This Matters Before an Accident Happens
Many people assume auto insurance only protects them while driving. This situation highlights why that’s not true — and why coverage limits matter.
You don’t get to choose your accident, but you do get to choose your coverage.
Understanding your PIP limits and whether you carry SUM coverage can make a major difference when the unexpected happens.
If you’re not sure what protections you have, now is the time to review your policy — not after a claim.
