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Does PIP Cover My Injuries if I was a Passenger or Not in a Vehicle?

Posted on behalf of James Lynch on November 3, 2021  in Car Accident News. Updated on May 25, 2023

person walking across a pedestrian crosswalkPersonal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance covers medical bills and some other damages after an accident, regardless of who is at fault for the crash. One of the additional benefits of this coverage is it applies even if you are not in your vehicle. For example, you may be able to use your PIP insurance if you were in another person’s vehicle, riding your bicycle or while you were a pedestrian.

If you were injured in an accident but were not in your vehicle when the crash occurred, our car accident lawyers in New Jersey are prepared to review your claim to see what legal options may be available to you.

WHO IS COVERED UNDER MY PIP POLICY?

Generally, when you purchase a PIP policy in New Jersey, you are purchasing PIP insurance for everyone in your household, including any non-licensed persons, such as minor children.

If you or anyone in your household is involved in an accident while in the insured vehicle, you can file a claim against the PIP policy to have your economic damages covered. Coverage may also apply if you or a member of your household get injured while a passenger in another vehicle.

WHEN DOES PIP COVER MY DAMAGES AS A NON-MOTORIST?

A common question about insurance is whether the policy follows the vehicle or the driver. With PIP insurance, the answer is both. PIP insurance does cover your injuries if you are hurt in an accident while you are not in your vehicle, depending on the circumstances of the crash.

AS A PEDESTRIAN

If you are injured in an accident with a vehicle as a pedestrian, you may be able to recover compensation for your damages using your own PIP insurance, no matter who is at fault for the collision. If the driver of the vehicle is at fault, you may be able to file a claim against his or her bodily injury liability insurance policy, if there is one.

Additionally, if a member of your household is injured as a pedestrian, he or she may be able to file a claim through your PIP, since the policy should provide blanket coverage for household members.

AS A BICYCLIST

You may also be able to file a claim through your PIP insurance if you are injured in an accident while riding a non-motorized vehicle such as a bicycle. Your household members may also be able to do the same.

Bicyclists injured in a car crash may also be able to file a claim against the bodily injury liability policy of the at-fault driver.

The only caveat to filing a PIP claim as a pedestrian or cyclist is that your collision must involve a motor vehicle. Therefore, you may not be able to file a claim if you were injured in an accident with another bicyclist. However, there may be some extenuating circumstances in which it may be allowed. It would be in your best interest to speak to one of our licensed attorneys to see what your legal options may be.

NEED HELP FILING A CLAIM? CALL US TODAY

If you or a loved one were injured in an accident while not in your own vehicle, you may be able to file a claim for compensation with your PIP insurance. Our knowledgeable attorneys are ready to review the facts of your case to see how we may be able to help you pursue the compensation you need.

The consultation is free and there are no fees unless we win, so there is no risk to you.

Call us today at (800) 518-0508 to get started.

* Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.

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