Do UM/UIM Policies Cover Pedestrians in Utah? Understanding Your Rights

If you’re hit by a car while walking in Utah, your injuries can be devastating—physically, emotionally, and financially. But what happens if the driver who hit you doesn’t have insurance or doesn’t have enough to cover your medical bills? This is where Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage comes into play.

At Waddoups Law, our Salt Lake City personal injury attorneys help injured pedestrians navigate UM/UIM claims to secure the compensation they deserve. Understanding how these policies work can make a crucial difference in your recovery.

What is UM/UIM Insurance?

UM/UIM insurance is designed to protect individuals who are injured in an accident caused by a driver who either:

• Has no insurance (Uninsured Motorist – UM).
• Does not have enough insurance to cover damages (Underinsured Motorist – UIM).

While many assume UM/UIM coverage only applies to car accidents involving drivers, it also protects pedestrians struck by a vehicle.

Does UM/UIM Coverage Apply to Pedestrians in Utah?

If you carry UM/UIM coverage on your auto insurance policy, it can cover your injuries as a pedestrian if an uninsured or underinsured driver hits you. Even though you were not in your car at the time of the accident, your auto insurance policy follows you, providing a financial safety net when you need it most.

Additionally, if a family member in your household has UM/UIM coverage, you may be able to access their policy for compensation.

How UM/UIM Coverage Helps Injured Pedestrians

If you are hit by a driver who lacks sufficient insurance, your UM/UIM policy can help cover:

• Medical expenses, including hospital bills, surgeries, and physical therapy.
• Lost wages if your injuries prevent you from working.
• Pain and suffering from the trauma of the accident.
• Ongoing rehabilitation costs for long-term injuries.

Without UM/UIM coverage, you could be left with limited options for compensation, especially if the at-fault driver cannot afford to pay for damages out-of-pocket.

What if the Driver Flees the Scene?

Hit-and-run accidents are unfortunately common, leaving injured pedestrians without a clear source of compensation. If you have UM coverage, you can file a claim as if the at-fault driver was uninsured. This ensures you are not left paying for injuries caused by a reckless driver who fled the scene.

How to File a UM/UIM Claim as a Pedestrian in Utah

• Report the accident to the police – A police report can support your UM/UIM claim.
• Seek medical attention immediately – your health comes first. Document all injuries and follow your doctor’s recommendations.
• Notify your insurance company – Inform your provider that you were hit as a pedestrian and may need to use UM/UIM coverage.
• Consult a personal injury attorney – Insurance companies may try to limit payouts. An attorney ensures you receive the full compensation you deserve.

Waddoups Law Can Help You Navigate Your UM/UIM Claim

Understanding your insurance rights after a pedestrian accident can be overwhelming, especially while recovering from serious injuries. At Waddoups Law, our Salt Lake City personal injury attorneys fight for injured pedestrians to maximize their UM/UIM compensation and hold insurance companies accountable.

If you are hit by an uninsured or underinsured driver, contact Waddoups Law today for a free consultation. We’ll help you understand your rights and get the compensation you need to move forward.