Hit by a Car as a Pedestrian in Utah: What to Do and Who Pays
You were crossing the street, walking through a parking lot or waiting at the corner, and a car hit you. There is no “other car” against yours: there is just you, your body and the driver’s vehicle.
That raises a very common question: “If I was not driving, which insurance pays?” In Utah, the answer is better than many people think. But first, your health.
Call 911 if:
You hit your head or lost consciousness, even for a moment · you cannot stand up or put weight on a leg · you have severe pain in your neck, back, chest, belly or pelvis · there is bleeding that will not stop · you feel confused, dizzy or very drowsy.
A pedestrian has no metal around them or airbags to absorb the impact. Injuries can be more serious than they seem at first.
What to do at the scene
If you can do it safely
- Get out of the traffic lane and call 911.
- Ask for the driver's name, phone number, license, plate number and insurance information.
- Take photos of the vehicle, the place, the crosswalk, traffic lights, signs and your injuries.
- Ask witnesses for their names and phone numbers.
- Look around for security cameras at businesses or homes nearby.
- Do not argue about who was at fault or accept money at the scene.
- Ask the police officer how to get a copy of the report.
Even if you feel fine, get a medical evaluation the same day or as soon as possible. Many symptoms appear hours or days later: see what to do in the first 24 hours after an accident.
Who pays your medical bills
Utah is a no-fault state: auto policies must include Personal Injury Protection (PIP), which pays the first medical bills regardless of who caused the crash. And PIP is not only for the people inside the car.
| Your situation | Who usually pays first | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| You do not have a car or auto insurance | The PIP of the vehicle that hit you | Get the policy number from the driver or the police report |
| You or someone in your household has an auto policy | That policy may also cover you as a pedestrian | Call your insurer as well: the companies sort out the order |
| The driver fled (hit-and-run) | Your Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage, if you have it, and your PIP | Report it to the police right away: it is usually a condition for the claim |
| The driver has no insurance | Your PIP and UM, if you have them; health insurance | Read hit by an uninsured driver in Utah |
The Utah PIP minimum is $3,000 and runs out fast. After that, care is usually paid by health insurance, MedPay or an agreement with the clinic, and later by a claim against the driver who caused the crash. Read the details in who pays medical bills after a car accident in Utah.
What if they say it was your fault?
Utah law requires drivers to yield to pedestrians in a crosswalk. But even if you were crossing outside the crosswalk or against the light, you may still be able to recover damages. Utah uses a modified comparative fault rule: you can recover as long as your share of fault is less than the driver’s, reduced by your percentage. See what happens if you were partly at fault.
The driver’s insurer may try to blame you. Do not give a recorded statement or sign anything before you understand your rights: see what to say to the insurance adjuster.
Common injuries in pedestrians
The bumper usually hits the legs first, then the body hits the hood or the windshield, and then the ground. That is why it is common to see knee and leg injuries, hip and pelvis injuries, broken wrists from breaking the fall, and head injuries. Read more about concussion after a car accident.
The short version
If a car hit you while walking, call 911, document everything and get evaluated even if you feel fine. In Utah, the PIP of the vehicle that hit you, or your own household’s policy, usually pays the first medical bills, even if you do not have a car. In a hit-and-run, report it to the police right away. And do not accept blame or sign anything at the scene.
Sources
- Utah Code § 41-6a-1202 (pedestrians' right-of-way in crosswalks).
- NHTSA — Pedestrian safety.
This article is general information about Utah insurance rules and is not legal or medical advice. If you were in an accident in the Salt Lake City area, Car Injury Clinic (Taylorsville, UT) offers same-day evaluation, direct PIP billing, free transportation and coordination with your attorney. Call 385-242-8571 or book an appointment.
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