Since those on foot do not have the same protections as the occupants of motor vehicles, pedestrian accident injuries can be severe and catastrophic. If you were struck by a vehicle as a pedestrian, you may be wondering how your mounting medical bills will be covered while you take the time you need from work to recover. It is critical to understand your rights as an injured pedestrian and the potential sources for paying your medical expenses.

Types of Pedestrian Accident Injuries

Although there can be many causes of pedestrian accidents, most occur due to a motor vehicle operator’s negligence. For instance, a driver who was texting or talking on their cellphone might not see a pedestrian crossing the street. A driver may also strike a pedestrian due to impairment, speeding, or recklessness. Regardless of how the accident happened, the injuries sustained by a pedestrian can be life-changing and permanently debilitating.

Common pedestrian accident injuries can include the following:

• Spinal cord injuries
• Traumatic brain injury
• Concussion
• Internal injuries
• Broken bones and fractures
• Soft tissue injuries
• Contusions
• Lacerations
• Psychological injuries

Pedestrian accident injuries can result in chronic pain, disfigurement, and disability. These types of injuries often require long-term care, physical rehabilitation, surgery, and home or vehicle modifications. Due to the severity of the injuries, the medical treatment associated with them can be costly. It is essential to understand how your medical bills will be paid so you can continue treating and have the peace of mind you need knowing that these expenses will be covered.

How are Medical Expenses Covered in Pedestrian Accidents?

If you have suffered a pedestrian accident, you may be wondering how your medical bills will be paid. A personal injury action can take a lengthy amount of time to settle or reach a jury verdict, depending on the complexities of your case and how long it takes you to achieve maximum medical improvement. In the meantime, medical expenses can quickly add up, especially if you are out of work while recovering. Importantly, your medical bills may be covered by several sources.

The Driver’s PIP Insurance

If the driver who struck you has PIP (personal injury protection) coverage, this is the first source you can consider to cover your medical bills. It does not matter who was at fault. Typically, you may claim up to $10,000 for your medical expenses, although limits can go as high as $35,000 or more. The amount you are entitled to depends upon the policy limits of the driver’s insurance. You can also claim up to $200 per week for lost wages if you are disabled for at least 14 days and $200 per week up to a maximum of $5,000 for replacement services.

Your Own PIP Insurance

Since PIP insurance is not required in Washington, some drivers may not have this coverage on their policy. If this is the case, or your medical bills exceed the driver’s PIP coverage, you can use your own PIP insurance. It does not matter if you were not in your vehicle at the time of the accident. Your PIP coverage can also be applied if you were on foot.

Your Health Insurance

After the PIP limits have been reached, or if PIP coverage is not available, you can use your health insurance to pay for your medical expenses. You would be responsible for paying any deductibles and copays. If it is determined that the driver was at fault for your pedestrian accident injuries, your health insurance company may seek reimbursement from your settlement or award through the subrogation process.

Filing a Lawsuit

In the event you are unable to reach a settlement with the insurance company, you can file a lawsuit to recover the damages you suffered due to your pedestrian accident injuries. If you can establish the driver’s negligence, you may be entitled to recover your medical expenses, costs of future medical treatment, lost wages, future loss of earnings, out-of-pocket expenses, and pain and suffering damages. A skillful pedestrian injury attorney can identify all potential sources of recovery, including third parties who may be held liable for the accident.

Contact a Washington Pedestrian Injury Attorney

If you were struck by a vehicle as a pedestrian, it is important to have a skillful pedestrian injury attorney by your side who can help you recover the compensation you deserve. The personal injury attorneys at Robinson & Kole provide trusted representation throughout Washington State for a wide range of personal injury matters, including those involving pedestrian accidents.