When You Are Hurt As A Passenger In A Car Accident
Posted on: 24 May 2019
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Car accident injuries can result in a permanent disability, leaving you unable to work or enjoy life as you once did. While it is clear who you file a personal injury claim against when you are one driver in a two-car accident, it is less obvious who will be the defendant in a case when you are the passenger. If you are seriously injured, you will need to take a careful look at who was at fault for the accident and decide if you have a viable claim to be compensated by the insurance provider of the drivers involved.
As an Injured Car Accident Passenger
Your injuries are treated the same when you are in a car accident as either a passenger or the driver. It's a personal injury sustained because of the negligence or fault of one or both drivers, just as if you were hit while driving and were not at fault. You will want to know important information for all drivers involved, including their full name, insurance information, the type of car they were driving, and how to reach each individual. When police respond to the scene of the accident, your information will be taken down, as well as that of all witnesses, drivers, and injured parties.
Read Over the Accident Report
Take a careful look over the accident report to determine who was at fault for the accident. If several parties share fault for the accident, you will need to file a claim against each one to get the compensation you deserve. This can be complicated when you are injured because of the fault of a family member or friend. When your injuries are serious and you can no longer work, you have to remember that you are suing the car insurance company, and not your family member directly. Consider your options when more than one driver is at fault.
The Extent of Your Injuries
You will need to seek medical care to determine your injuries. As you heal, follow through with all medical treatment. Your providers will be the ones who give a clear picture of your pain, and suffering, and they'll tell you when you reach a medical end of treatment. In general, the worse your injuries are, the more you will receive for compensation.
As a passenger in a car accident, you have rights when you are injured. Consult a car accident attorney for a free initial consultation to go over the merits of your case.