By: Ronald Morgan

If you are injured as a pedestrian, an obvious and major concern arises as to who will pay your medical bills. Typically, your own insurance with cover these costs for treatment associated with the injuries.  However, further questions arise when the injured pedestrian is struck by a commercial vehicle.

If a pedestrian is struck by a commercial vehicle, such as a commercial van or truck, his or her Personal Injury Protection insurance will not pay for medical expenses.  In this unique situation, it is currently the responsibility of the insurance carrier for the commercial vehicle to provide for these benefits.  The pedestrian is not left to hold the bag.

If the commercial carrier refuses to cover the Personal Injury Protection benefits, the state of New Jersey, through PLIGA will provide coverage.  Although the law does not explicitly require PLIGA to step into the shoes of the commercial carrier and pay these benefits, an informal agreement has been made between PLIGA and the Commissioner of Insurance regarding these benefits.

Presently, the NJ state legislature has drafted a revision to the law providing that state pay Personal Injury Protection benefits for pedestrians struck by commercial vehicles.  That law has yet to come into effect.  At this time, be sure to seek benefits from the insurance carrier of the commercial vehicle.  Should that insurer deny coverage, then PLIGA will provide benefits.

The main priority for a struck pedestrian is to rest up and seek proper treatment.  Do not worry yourself about how the medical bills will be paid, as the State of New Jersey ensures that benefits will be provided.