You will, in general, have the right to file a personal injury claim any time the negligence of another party causes you to suffer serious injuries in an accident, including a pedestrian accident. After a pedestrian accident, you may need to file a personal injury claim if: You do not have PIP insurance. Even in states that require PIP coverage, many people do not have a registered vehicle and therefore do not carry PIP insurance. Minors, for example, frequently do not carry that type of insurance coverage. You have medical costs that exceed your PIP insurance. In most states, once you exceed the protection offered by PIP coverage, you can pursue further compensation through a personal injury claim. You suffered permanent disability in the accident. In cases where you will suffer ongoing medical costs or have lifelong losses because of your injuries, you will generally have the right to file an injury claim to help you pursue compensation. Talk to a car accident lawyer to file an injury claim after an accident since a lawyer can give you more information about how you can best handle your claim.