What To Do If You Are A Passenger In A Car Accident
Automobile accidents can have devastating consequences for passengers as well as drivers. It can result in physical injuries, psychological harm, and more. The passengers involved in accidents are entitled to compensation for their losses. If you have been injured as a passenger in a car accident, it is crucial to pursue your rights to fair compensation. An accident lawyer can assist you in filing a personal injury claim, an insurance claim, or both. It all depends on the circumstances of the accident.
Avoid Mistakes
One common mistake made by injured passengers is hesitation to take legal action. They may be concerned about the potential negative implications for the driver – especially if that person is a family member, friend, etc. The thing is, however, that in most cases, the fear is unfounded. As a passenger, you can often receive compensation without resorting to a personal injury lawsuit against the individual driver. Rather, you can make an insurance claim against their insurance company – or the other vehicle’s insurance company (that was involved in the accident).
What Are Your Options?
If you’re wondering about your options as the passenger in a car accident, the best course of action is to consult with a car accident attorney. They can provide guidance on how to file a personal injury claim as well as how to handle interactions with insurance companies.
Do You Have Insurance?
In cases where you, as the passenger, have your own car insurance policy, your medical expenses could be covered by your insurance. If you don’t have your own insurance because you are not a driver, you will likely be covered by the driver’s insurance policy.
In certain situations where none of the responsible parties are insured (or they have insufficient coverage), you might need to file a personal injury lawsuit. In cases such as these, it’s very important to determine who was at fault for the accident.
Negligence
The driver of the vehicle you were in carries a responsibility for your safety. If they were negligent, they might be at fault. A determination such as this is made through an investigation. It’s crucial that you file a police report right after the accident so an official record can be created. If the driver’s insurance coverage doesn’t adequately cover your medical expenses, you might need to pursue a personal injury lawsuit against them. If the driver is a family member or spouse, however, their insurance may cover your expenses.
If a different driver is responsible for the accident/your injuries, you can file a claim with their insurance company. It all depends on the fault-based or no-fault system in the state in which the accident occurred. If the other driver doesn’t have sufficient insurance, you might need to pursue a personal injury lawsuit.
If liability is shared by both drivers, you may be able to seek compensation from both insurance companies to get your medical expenses covered.
Are You – As a Passenger – Liable?
It’s highly uncommon that passengers be held liable for car accidents, but it’s not impossible. If the actions of a passenger are deemed negligent and contributed to an accident, they may share some responsibility.
Example: A passenger insights reckless driving. Investigators may consider their role in determining fault.
What’s more, insurance companies may reject the passenger’s claim if they willingly got into a vehicle driven by an impaired individual.
Were You The Passenger in a Car Accident? Hire a Lawyer!
Hiring an experienced California auto accident lawyer, such as those at The Ryan Law Group, can greatly assist you in navigating the aftermath of a car accident as a passenger. We handle the complexities of filing an injury claim, dealing with insurance companies, and determining personal injury. By seeking legal representation, you can alleviate stress and focus on recovering from the accident.
By partnering with The Ryan Law Group, your rights are better protected. Contact us today at 310-299-9550 for proper representation.
You can also use our convenient online form to request a free consultation.