If you’ve been in a car accident and were hurt, you may be able to collect compensation for your injuries. To recover, you must first identify the at-fault party. A lawyer can help you collect evidence to support your claim and increase your chances of a high reward.
What to Do Immediately After a Car Accident as an Injured Passenger
After a collision, your number one priority should be your safety and well-being. It is crucial to seek medical attention, even if you feel fine. The adrenaline running through your system might numb the pain.
The injured passenger should call the police and their own insurance company to report what happened. You should also contact an attorney who can help you file a compensation claim.
Filing a Passenger Injury Insurance Claim After a Car Accident
Once the police have been notified, an attorney can file a compensation claim. They should prepare and submit an accident report to your insurance company, investigating your claim. Your lawyer can also ask the other driver to submit their insurance records if you cannot obtain them.
The investigating agent will send these records to your lawyer, who should be able to determine whether or not you are eligible for compensation. If you are, your attorney will be able to submit the claim on your behalf. You may have to provide documentation of your injuries. Lakeland car accident lawyer can help you after an accident.
What Happens After the Insurance Company Submits Its Report
After an insurance agent has investigated a claim and determined that it is not eligible for compensation, you can file a lawsuit in court against the other driver (many drivers choose not to take legal action). The attorney will file the lawsuit with the court on your behalf.
You may be asked to testify about your experience before a judge and a jury. It would help if you answered all of the questions truthfully and accurately, as this will affect the outcome of your case.
Do Passengers Ever Share Liability for an Accident?
In most cases, passengers are not held responsible for car crashes. Typically one of the drivers involved in the collision is found liable. After all, even if the passenger is being slightly distracting, the driver is responsible to avoid distractions while behind the wheel.
It is important to mention that there are certain exceptions to the rule. For example, if the passenger takes extreme actions, like grabbing the wheel while on the road, they may be found at fault for the crash. Also, passengers should understand that the driver needs to stay concentrated and try to avoid distracting them.
How a Jury’s Finding Will Affect Your Damage Award
A jury verdict will determine your compensation amount if your case gets to court. Your lawyer can help you build a strong case based on solid evidence. Also, they will know how to present the facts in a compelling way to the jury.
In addition, your attorney may be able to ask for punitive damages if the defendant’s behavior was deemed particularly harmful. A court can decide whether or not to grant punitive damages.
Common Passenger Injury Awards
Suppose you sustained back injuries in a car accident caused by a negligent driver. In that case, you are entitled to receive compensation for medical bills and physical rehabilitation, as well as any future medical treatment required.
Depending on the specifics of your case, you might be eligible for compensation for pain and suffering. However, since this has a strong personal element it is more difficult to prove. It is also more challenging to assign it a dollar value. Consult your lawyer to learn how to proceed.
Seek Legal Help
An injured passenger can collect compensation from the offending driver after a car accident. The amount of compensation you are eligible for will depend on a variety of factors, including your physical and psychological well-being and the actions of the negligent driver.
If you are injured in a car accident, contact an attorney to help with your compensation claim. A legal expert will offer guidance throughout the proceedings and ensure that your interest is protected.
Author:
With a BA in communications and paralegal experience, Irma Dengler decided to make the best of her writing skills. She decided to turn complicated legal matters into something more palatable for the masses. Therefore, Irma became a law communicator who writes about everyday problems so everyone can understand them and take the appropriate action. She specialized in personal injury cases, as they are more common than anyone thinks, but her areas of expertise also include civil law, criminal law, insurance-related issues, and more.
