If you are a pedestrian injured in a hit-and-run accident, how your medical bills will be paid will depend on which state you live in and what type of insurance courage you have. If you do not own a vehicle, you may still be covered for your medical bills, plus pain and suffering, if your state provides a certain coverage.

In most instances, your own insurance company will provide coverage for you under the Uninsured Motorist Protection of your policy or through Personal Injury Protection coverage. It becomes a matter of what type of coverage you took out with your carrier.

If you live in a state such as New York, where Personal Injury Protection is mandatory, your medical bills will be covered automatically by your own insurance company. This is what “no fault” insurance is all about. If you happen to live in a traditional liability state and carry Uninsured Motorist coverage, you should be covered for damages up to the limit of your policy. If you don’t have Uninsured Motorist coverage, you are going to have a difficult time paying your bills unless you’re able to track down the vehicle that struck you.

OK, all that insurance coverage may be a lifesaver, but what if you don’t own a car? In New York, the state has set up Motor Vehicle Accident Indemnification Corporation (MVAIC) to cover not only your medical bills, but also pain and suffering. There are a number of requirements you need to meet before qualifying for this coverage. A key requirement is that a police report of the hit-and-run accident was filed with the police within 24 hours of the accident, or as soon as possible.

When you are unsure of your rights consult with an experienced personal injury lawyer as soon as possible after your accident. Call the Personal Injury Hotline!