How often have you driven with a friend or loved one to an event or family gathering? What about a weekend road trip with your best friend? Most people have grabbed a ride home with a co-worker once or twice. We don’t think much about hopping in the car with another driver. It’s something people do every day.
But what happens if you are an innocent passenger and injured in an accident? What rights do you have? How should you proceed to receive adequate compensation for your injuries?
Although it’s a protocol for passengers to file a claim against the insurance company of the driver who caused the car accident, passengers are often reluctant to file the claim if the person they file against is a close friend or family member. Unfortunately, there are often significant costs involved in accidents. When filing a claim, remember it does not reflect how you feel about the driver. You want to ensure the other person’s insurance company pays for your medical expenses, the pain, and suffering incurred, permanent disability, loss of work wages, pension contributions, and any other financial expenses directly attributable to your accident. The amount of compensation you receive depends on the individual circumstances of the accident.
As a passenger, the severity of the actions following an accident will depend on the cause and the extent of the injuries. It’s important to note that passengers often sustain more severe injuries than drivers due to the lack of opportunity to brace themselves. This underscores the need for immediate medical attention and legal guidance.
If you are seriously injured, please look for medical attention first. Your health is the top priority. Then, could you collect all parties’ names, addresses, and insurance details? Once your injuries are taken care of and information is exchanged, the case is ready to be settled. At this point, it’s crucial not to communicate directly with an insurance company before consulting a qualified legal expert. This can prevent you from making potentially damaging statements.
Car accidents involving passengers are often under-settled. You have a greater chance of receiving full payment for your injuries and losses by seeking legal advice. Each case is unique. Our Sacramento auto accident attorney at Eason & Tambornini, A Law Corporation, will guide you through the complex process so you receive total compensation for your injuries.
