Every time you get into a motor vehicle, you run the risk of being involved in an accident. This is true whether you are the driver of the vehicle or just a passenger along for the ride.
Unfortunately, passengers can be overlooked when it comes to compensation for their injuries in an accident. Since passengers are not privy to the details of each driver's insurance policy, they often don't understand their rights to compensation.
It's important that you understand your rights as a passenger so that you can fight to get the assistance you deserve if you are ever involved in an auto accident and experience a personal injury.
1. You Have a Right to Compensation
An injury sustained in a car accident has the potential to change your life. You may find that you are unable to work, participate in family activities, or enjoy the hobbies that once brought you joy after your accident.
Passengers are entitled to receive financial compensation for the losses they incur as a result of an auto accident. This means that you can work with a personal injury attorney to fight for money that can be used to pay for your medical expenses, lost wages, and ongoing treatment.
You also have the right to be compensated for your non-economic losses. These losses include an inability to participate in the type of social life you enjoyed prior to the accident, and any mental pain and anguish you suffer as a result of the accident.
An experienced attorney will be able to help you identify the various types of compensation you can seek by filing a personal injury lawsuit as an injured passenger.
2. Your Compensation Can Vary Based on Fault
One of the most important factors to establish in any auto accident is which driver was responsible for causing the collision. This is referred to as fault in a personal injury case. As a passenger, you bear no responsibility for the injuries you sustain.
Knowing who was at fault will help you determine who to name in your personal injury lawsuit.
If the driver of your vehicle caused the accident, their insurance company should compensate you for your injuries. If another driver was at fault, you will need to obtain their insurance information so that you can pursue compensation.
It's common for insurance companies to offer low settlement amounts to passengers injured in a car accident. Your attorney will help you evaluate all compensation offers to determine if and when you should file a personal injury lawsuit in court.
3. Your Compensation Can be Affected by the Number of Injuries
The number of individuals that were injured in your auto accident can have a direct impact on the amount of compensation you will be offered through an insurance company.
Many auto insurance policies have provisions for split limits. This means that the insurance company will pay out a maximum amount that must be split between all injured parties.
A skilled personal injury lawyer will have the knowledge and experience needed to evaluate the insurance policies related to your accident.
They can determine if split liabilities apply and help you evaluate your options when it comes to seeking additional compensation through the filing of a personal injury lawsuit.
Passengers who are injured in auto accidents often feel like they have no control over the help they receive following the accident. Retaining a good personal injury lawyer as soon after your accident as possible can help you protect your rights as an injured passenger. Your lawyer will help you identify your rights, learn about any mitigating factors, and file the paperwork needed to pursue the compensation you deserve in a court of law.
Share13 December 2021
I have never been someone who likes the idea of suing another person, but after my family was plowed into by a drunk driver with no regard for the law, my tune changed. I realized that I needed to do what I could in order to make things right, so I started looking for a lawyer who could help me to fight for the settlement I deserved. It took a few months in court, but by the time I won my settlement, I felt a lot better about things. This blog is all about getting the legal help you need when you need it the most.