Who is liable when a car hits a pedestrian in the US?
Liability turns on negligence and right of way. Drivers must yield to pedestrians in marked and many unmarked crosswalks and keep a proper lookout. But pedestrians also have duties (crossing at intersections, obeying signals). Fault is apportioned under the state's comparative or contributory negligence rule, which can reduce or bar recovery.
Can I recover if I was partly at fault as a pedestrian?
It depends on your state's rule. In pure comparative states (e.g. California, New York, Florida) you recover your damages minus your fault share. In modified-comparative states you are barred at 50% or 51% fault. In the few contributory-negligence jurisdictions, any fault bars recovery entirely.
What is PIP and how does it affect a pedestrian claim?
Personal Injury Protection (PIP) is mandatory in no-fault states. If you are struck as a pedestrian, your own auto insurance PIP (or the vehicle's) pays your medical bills and lost wages regardless of fault. To sue the driver for pain and suffering, you must exceed the state's 'serious injury' or monetary threshold.
What if the driver has no insurance or fled?
You may recover through your own Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage, which in most states covers you as a pedestrian. Report the crash to police immediately, seek medical care, and notify your insurer promptly to preserve UM/UIM and any hit-and-run benefits.