does car insurance cover if you hit a pedestrian

[MirandaAnn]

Yes, in nearly all cases, your car insurance will cover you if you hit a pedestrian. The primary coverage that applies is bodily injury liability (BIL) insurance, which is mandatory in most states. This coverage pays for the pedestrian's medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering, up to your policy's limits. It also provides legal defense if you are sued.

The specific financial responsibility falls on the type of coverage you carry. Here’s a breakdown of how different coverages apply:

• Bodily Injury Liability (BIL): This is the core coverage. If you are found at fault, your BIL pays for the pedestrian's injuries.
• Property Damage Liability (PDL): This may cover damage to the pedestrian's property, like a phone or glasses.
• Medical Payments (MedPay) or Personal Injury Protection (PIP): These cover medical expenses for you and your passengers, regardless of fault. In some cases, they might extend to pedestrians.
• Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM): This protects you if a hit-and-run driver strikes a pedestrian, or if an at-fault driver with insufficient insurance causes an accident where a pedestrian is injured.

Coverage is not unlimited. The most critical factor is your policy's coverage limits. If the pedestrian's damages exceed your limits, you could be personally responsible for the difference. State minimums are often dangerously low.

State	Minimum Bodily Injury Liability (Per Person/Per Accident)	Is it Sufficient for a Serious Pedestrian Accident?
California	$15,000 / $30,000	Very unlikely
Florida	Not Required*	No coverage if you only carry state minimums
New York	$25,000 / $50,000	Probably insufficient
Texas	$30,000 / $60,000	Likely insufficient
Illinois	$25,000 / $50,000	Probably insufficient
Alaska	$50,000 / $100,000	Better, but may still fall short

To fully protect your assets, experts recommend carrying BIL limits of at least $100,000/$300,000. An umbrella policy provides additional liability coverage beyond your auto insurance limits and is a wise consideration for significant asset protection.

[Gabriela]

It should, but the real question is, how much? State minimums are a joke. If you seriously injure someone, a $15,000 policy won't cover a week in the hospital. You'd be on the hook for everything else. I upped my liability to $300,000 after talking to my agent. It didn't cost much more, and now I can drive without that nagging worry. Don't just meet the legal requirement; protect yourself.

[SanKyle]

The coverage hinges on who is at fault. If you are responsible, your liability insurance is designed for this situation. However, if the pedestrian darts into the road illegally, their own insurance (like health or a special pedestrian policy) might be primary, with your policy acting as secondary. Police reports and witness statements are crucial for determining fault. Always report the incident to your insurer immediately for guidance.

[DiDelilah]

I was in this situation once. A kid ran out between parked cars. It was terrifying. My insurance company handled everything—the medical bills, the conversations with the family's lawyer. It was a huge relief during a stressful time. The key is having good liability limits. I learned that the hard way, but thankfully, my coverage was adequate. It’s not just about following the law; it’s about peace of mind.

[Kingston]

Beyond the immediate insurance response, the best coverage is prevention. Modern safety features are incredible. Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) with pedestrian detection can stop the car before an impact occurs. As a tech guy, I view high liability limits and these advanced driver-assistance systems as complementary layers of protection. You're investing in technology to avoid the accident and in financial protection for if the worst happens. It’s a smart, modern approach to driving.