Provo runs on foot, bike, and scooter. Thousands of students walk to class, ride to work, and cross busy streets near campus every day, many without a car of their own. That’s a big part of what makes the city a great place to live. It also means that when a driver isn’t paying attention, the person who gets hurt is often a student with no car, no insurance policy of their own, and no idea who is supposed to pay the medical bills.
If you were hit by a car while walking, biking, or riding an e-scooter in Provo, or you’re a parent trying to help a son or daughter who was, this guide explains what to do and whose insurance usually pays.
Why Provo Is Different
Few cities in Utah have as many people getting around without a car. Students walk between campus, apartments, and jobs near BYU and UVU. University Avenue and Center Street carry heavy traffic right through areas full of people on foot. Crosswalks, bike lanes, and downtown intersections see a steady mix of pedestrians, cyclists, and scooter riders sharing space with drivers who may be in a hurry, looking at a phone, or unfamiliar with the area.
The fall semester adds new drivers and new pedestrians who don’t know the streets yet, and shorter days put more of that foot traffic in the dark.
What to Do If You’re Hit
- Get medical care first. Call 911 or get to urgent care or the ER. Adrenaline can hide injuries like concussions and internal injuries. Getting checked the same day also creates a record that ties your injuries to the crash.
- Call the police. Ask for a report, even if the driver seems friendly and wants to “handle it.” Get the report number.
- Get the driver’s information. Name, phone, license plate, and insurance company. Take a photo of their insurance card if you can.
- Take photos. The car, the crosswalk or intersection, traffic signals, lighting, your injuries, and your damaged bike, scooter, phone, or backpack.
- Find witnesses. Classmates, other drivers, and nearby businesses may have seen it. Some businesses have cameras that record over footage within days.
- Don’t downplay it. Saying “I’m fine” or “it was my fault” at the scene can be used against you later. Stick to the facts.
Whose Insurance Pays When You Don’t Own a Car?
This is the question we hear most from students. Utah is a no-fault state, which means personal injury protection (PIP) pays first for medical bills and some lost wages, no matter who caused the crash. For a pedestrian who doesn’t have a policy of their own, the PIP coverage on the vehicle that hit you generally pays first under Utah Code § 31A-22-309.
From there, other coverage can come into play:
- A parent’s policy. Depending on the policy and where you live, a parent’s auto insurance may cover you as a household member, even if you’re away at school.
- The driver’s liability coverage. If the driver was at fault and your injuries are serious enough, you can bring a claim against them for costs PIP doesn’t cover, including pain and suffering. Under Utah’s no-fault rules, that generally requires a serious injury or more than $3,000 in medical expenses.
- Uninsured motorist coverage. If the driver had no insurance or drove away, uninsured motorist coverage on your own policy or a parent’s policy may help.
Insurance rules for pedestrians can get technical fast, and the order of coverage depends on the exact policies involved. If you’re not sure which policy applies, it’s worth asking a lawyer before you sign anything from an insurer. Our Provo pedestrian accident page explains these claims in more detail, and our Utah pedestrian accident guide covers the statewide rules.
E-Scooters and E-Bikes
Whether you ride your own scooter or a rental, a crash with a car raises a few extra questions: Were you in a bike lane or on the sidewalk? Was the scooter working properly? Does the rental company’s app say anything about insurance?
The basic rule is the same as any other crash: a driver who hits you because they were careless can be responsible for your injuries. But scooter and e-bike claims can involve more parties, like a rental company or a manufacturer if the device failed. Keep the scooter or bike if you can, take photos of it, and save any app records of your ride. Our guide to e-bike accident claims in Utah goes deeper, and our Provo bicycle accident page covers crashes involving bikes.
Common Mistakes After a Crash
Students are busy, and after a crash it’s tempting to get back to class and hope it all works out. A few common mistakes can make a claim much harder later:
- Skipping the doctor. Waiting a week to get checked gives an insurer room to argue your injury came from somewhere else.
- Taking the driver’s word for it. A driver who promises to “pay for everything” may change their story once their insurer gets involved. Get a police report anyway.
- Talking to the other insurer too soon. Their adjuster may call and ask for a recorded statement. You don’t have to give one before you understand your claim.
- Throwing away the evidence. Keep your damaged bike, scooter, helmet, phone, and clothes. Save texts, ride receipts, and photos.
- Missing class without a record. If your injuries cause you to miss class, work, or a semester, keep emails from professors and employers. Lost wages and school disruption can be part of a claim.
Out-of-State Students
A lot of Provo students are from somewhere else. If you were hurt here, you can still bring a claim under Utah law, even if your car insurance, your parents, and your permanent address are in another state. You also don’t have to stay in Provo to see it through. Much of a claim can be handled by phone, email, and video, and your lawyer can work with your doctors back home if you move after the semester ends.
Frequently Asked Questions
I’m a student with no car. Who pays my medical bills?
In most cases, the PIP coverage on the car that hit you pays first. A parent’s policy may also cover you, and the driver’s liability insurance may pay for more if your injuries are serious. Keep every bill and receipt.
Can I still claim if I was jaywalking?
Possibly. Utah uses comparative fault (§ 78B-5-818). If the driver was more at fault than you, you can still recover, but your share of fault reduces what you get. Drivers still have to watch for people on foot, even outside a crosswalk.
What if the driver left?
Call the police right away and give them every detail you remember. Look for cameras nearby. If the driver is never found, uninsured motorist coverage on your own policy or a parent’s policy may help pay for your injuries.
Can my parents call for me?
Yes. Parents are welcome to call and ask questions. If you’re 18 or older, you’ll need to be part of the conversation before we can take on your case, but we’re happy to talk with your family together.
Hurt? Call Kurt.
We help students and families across Utah County after crashes like these. If you or your child was hit while walking, biking, or riding a scooter in Provo, call us at 77CARCRASH. The first conversation is free, and you don’t need to have all the answers before you call.
Learn more about Kurt London or our Provo office.
