Protecting The Rights Of Passengers In Car Accidents
When a car accident happens, much of the focus centers on the drivers involved. In many cases, there may have been passengers involved. These are victims as well and have the right to seek compensation in a claim for medical costs, lost wages, and other expenses they suffer. Their injuries may have occurred either due to the actions of others on the road or due to reckless behaviors on the part of the driver in the car they were in. The following offers tips on how passengers can get the compensation they need to recover in these claims.
When Car Accidents Result In Passenger Injuries
A recent car accident near Bradenton highlights the serious injuries that passengers face due to car accidents involving the driver of a car they are riding in. According to an April 18, 2020 news report by the Bradenton Herald, a single-vehicle accident in Manatee County resulted in the death of the 30-year-old driver. A 20-year-old passenger in the vehicle was left with critical injuries.
Police investigations indicate that the cause of the crash was speeding. In this type of situation, the passenger can hold the driver responsible, despite the fact they were in the same vehicle. In a case such as this, where the driver suffers fatal injuries, the surviving victim may seek compensation for their losses through the driver’s estate.
In a multi-vehicle accident, the same principles apply. If the driver of the car the passenger was in is determined to be responsible, that passenger can file a claim against them or their insurer. If the other driver involved was at fault, they are the ones that could be held liable in a claim.
What To Do As A Passenger In The Event of A Car Accident
According to statistics from the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS), the rate of passengers injured in car accidents each year is even higher than that of drivers. Regardless of whether you are involved in a single-vehicle car accident or a collision involving multiple drivers, it is important as a passenger to be aware of the steps you need to take in filing a claim. These include:
- Make sure the accident gets reported. Even if the driver is reluctant or offers to settle it with you personally, call the police so that an accident report is filed.
- Get information on everyone involved. This includes personal contact, driver’s license, vehicle registration, and insurance information.
- Make note of details surrounding the situation. This includes the exact time and location of the crash, as well as contact information for people at the scene.
- Get medical attention for your injuries. Even if your injuries appear minor, seek medical care right away.
Contact Us Today for Help
When you suffer injuries in a car accident, regardless of whether you are the passenger or driver, the Law Office of Steven G. Lavely is here to help. To request a consultation, contact our Bradenton car accident attorney today.
Resource:
iihs.org/topics/fatality-statistics/detail/passenger-vehicle-occupants
bradenton.com/news/local/article242110286.html
https://www.lavelylaw.com/seven-important-types-of-evidence-in-your-car-accident-claim/
