By David Peel
We are most vulnerable to other vehicles when we are crossing streets as a pedestrian.
All it takes is one errant look for someone to change your life forever. Commonly, the driver who strikes a pedestrian runs from the scene. That has been the case in several of the recent matters I’ve been involved in.
Sometimes we can identify the person through a plate number or a video. Other times the person gets away scot-free.
In either case however, there is still insurance coverage. You are probably very surprised to learn that your car insurance will cover you or a member of your household as a pedestrian under your uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.
But be aware simply because you have coverage does not mean that they will act as an insurance company that is on your side. In fact, any claim against your uninsured motorist coverage is in fact a claim against the uninsured motorists who fled the scene.
As a result, it’s exactly as if you’ve paid to insure the negligent driver. It’s exactly as if it’s his insurance company and not yours.
It doesn’t count against you in any way to make the claim but be under no illusions that they are on your side.
Remember the agent that you deal with who is on your side, it’s not the same thing as the adjuster assigned to adjust the claim for the UM carrier.
Peel seeks justice for those injured in tractor trailer and car accidents, medical malpractice, and disability. He often addresses churches, clubs and groups without charge. Peel may be reached through PeelLawFirm.com wherein other articles may be accessed.
