If you get seriously injured in a car crash, it should not matter where you were sitting in the car. Passengers have rights too, so if you were harmed in an accident you should sue for compensation. However, you might be wondering whose insurance company actually covers you in such an accident, and who you can actually sue for damages. Our Monmouth County car accident attorneys can help clear up any confusion.
What Should Passengers Do After a Car Accident?
After any car accident, the passengers should start taking steps to build a personal injury case. They should:
- Make sure that the cops come to the scene and make a report
- Ask for the insurance info of the involved drivers
- Get contact information for any eyewitnesses
- Take photos of the accident scene and damage to vehicles
- Seek care for their injuries
Then it may be time to talk to an attorney.
Does the Driver’s Insurance Cover Me?
In most cases, your expenses should be covered under the policy of the driver of the car you were in at the time of the accident. A driver is taking responsibility for a passenger when they allow them into the vehicle. That means that their own liability coverage and PIP, personal injury protection, coverage can apply to you, the driver, and any other passengers who get injured.
Do Passengers Actually Have to Sue Friends or Family For Damages?
Unfortunately, insurance companies tend to prioritize their bottom line instead of the needs of accident victims. The first offer from an insurer might not come close to covering your needs. That is when you may have to pursue damages.
Some passengers balk at this. We understand that you do not want to sue a friend or family member, but that’s not what you are doing here. You are not going after their money. You are pursuing compensation from an insurance policy that is meant to pay out in situations like these.
Can Passengers Sue Another At-Fault Driver?
Sometimes the driver’s coverage is not enough to cover all of a passenger’s expenses. In those situations, it may be possible to sue another driver who was at fault for the accident. A settlement from their insurer could help make up for lost wages, medical expenses, and pain and suffering.
Do I Need a Personal Injury Attorney?
It can be difficult to fight back against insurance companies on your own. An experienced personal injury attorney from our firm can answer any questions that you have about the legal process and help you pursue the compensation that you deserve.
Schedule Your Consultation
If you are ready to learn more about your legal options, contact the Wilton Law Firm. Whether you were the driver of a car, a pedestrian, or one of the passengers, you deserve a chance to pursue compensation after getting injured in an accident. We can schedule a free consultation for you and tell you more about how our lawyers can be of assistance.
