Many people assume that if they don’t own a vehicle, they don’t have legal options after a crash. That’s simply not true. Whether you were a passenger, pedestrian, bicyclist, or rideshare user, you may still be entitled to compensation for your injuries. The key is understanding how coverage works and what steps to take early on.

If you’ve been injured in a crash and don’t have a car of your own, here’s what you need to know to protect your rights and explore your options.

You Can Be Injured in a Crash Without Driving

Not all car accident victims are drivers. In Wilmington and throughout Delaware, injury claims commonly involve:

• Passengers in someone else’s vehicle
• Pedestrians struck by a car
• Bicyclists hit by a motor vehicle
• Rideshare passengers (Uber or Lyft)
• People exiting or entering a vehicle

In each of these situations, fault and insurance coverage still apply—even if the injured person doesn’t own or drive a car.

Whose Insurance Applies If You’re Not the Driver?

One of the biggest questions after a crash is: whose insurance pays for injuries? The answer depends on how the accident happened and who was involved.

If you were a passenger, the driver’s insurance is usually the first source of coverage. If another driver caused the crash, their insurance may also be responsible.

If you were a pedestrian or bicyclist, the at-fault driver’s insurance typically applies. In some cases, additional coverage may be available through uninsured or underinsured motorist policies.

If the driver who hit you doesn’t have insurance, there may still be options, including coverage through a household family member’s policy or other applicable policies tied to the vehicle involved.

Insurance companies don’t always explain these options clearly, which is why many injured people mistakenly believe they have no claim.

What If You Don’t Have Auto Insurance at All?

Not owning a car or auto insurance does not automatically disqualify you from seeking compensation. Injury claims are generally tied to fault, not vehicle ownership.

You may still be eligible to recover compensation for:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Ongoing treatment or rehabilitation

The challenge is identifying all available coverage sources and navigating insurance rules that vary by circumstance.

Steps to Take After the Crash

If you’re injured in a crash—even without a car—your actions matter. To protect yourself and your potential claim:

1. Seek medical attention immediately. Even minor symptoms should be documented.
2. Call the police and get a report. This creates an official record of the incident.
3. Gather information. Get names, insurance details, and contact information from drivers and witnesses.
4. Avoid discussing fault. Statements made early can be misinterpreted later.
5. Document everything. Keep medical records, photos, and notes about how the injury affects your daily life.

Delays or missing documentation can give insurance companies an excuse to deny or reduce a claim.

Why These Claims Can Be More Complicated

When an injured person doesn’t own a car, insurance companies may scrutinize the claim more closely. They may question coverage, shift blame, or argue that benefits don’t apply.

These cases often involve:

• Multiple insurance policies
• Disputes over liability
• Uninsured or underinsured drivers
• Rideshare coverage rules

Without guidance, it’s easy to accept a denial or low settlement that doesn’t reflect the actual impact of the injury.

Get Legal Guidance Before You Decide

If you were injured in a crash and don’t have a car, getting clarity on your options is critical. An experienced personal injury attorney can review the facts, identify applicable insurance coverage, and help you pursue the compensation you deserve.

At Rodzik Law Group, injured passengers, pedestrians, and non-drivers receive guidance tailored to their specific situation. The team understands how insurance companies handle these claims—and how to push back when coverage is wrongfully denied.

If you’ve been injured and aren’t sure where to turn, contact Rodzik Law Group today to discuss your options and protect your rights.