When you ride as a passenger in someone’s car, you trust that they will make good decisions while they are driving in order to make sure that you remain safe while in the vehicle. Accidents do happen, though. If you were a passenger in a car accident, according to Florida statutes, you may qualify to file a personal injury claim or lawsuit for any injuries you have suffered.
As a passenger, you may struggle with determining liability in the accident. The answer to this depends on the accident and who investigators find responsible for the crash. A car accident lawyer may help you determine who you should make your personal injury claim with when you’re a passenger in a vehicle. Contact the team at Ben Crump Law, PLLC today at (844) 730-0233 to get started.
Identifying the Driver at Fault for Your Personal Injury Claim
When you file a claim as a passenger in a vehicle involved in an accident, you may file with your driver’s insurance company, the other driver’s insurance company, and in some cases, both insurance companies.
Your Driver
When you ride with another person in a car, they bear responsibility for your safety. If your driver makes any type of mistake and an accident occurs, the driver may hold liability for any injuries resulting from the accident. When the investigation proves the driver of the car you traveled in responsible, their Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance may have to pay for some of your injuries from the accident.
In some cases, your driver may not have enough insurance to cover the costs for your injuries. When their insurance coverage proves insufficient, you may pursue compensation through a personal injury lawsuit.
The Driver of the Other Vehicle
If investigators find the other driver liable for the accident, you may submit a claim with their insurance company. You may do this in the same way as filing with your driver’s insurance company. The coverage that the other driver has for personal injuries in an accident may cover the costs for your medical claims. If their compensation does not cover the costs, you may pursue a personal injury case against the liable driver for the accident.
Both Drivers Share Liability
In some cases, investigators may find that each of the drivers had some responsibility for the accident. In this case, if you rode as a passenger in one of the vehicles, you may file a claim with both insurance companies in order to cover the costs of some of your medical care.
For a free legal consultation, call (844) 730-0233
Additional Coverages
If your injuries prove very serious, you may sue the driver responsible for more awards. If you face long term treatment or care for your injuries after the accident, a lawyer may help you pursue fair compensation so that you do not suffer further losses in the future due to on-going medical conditions.
Other Considerations
As a passenger in a car accident, you may consider some other things as well. One important thing to consider revolves around your relationship with the driver. You may have coverage under their insurance policy if you classify as their spouse or immediate family member. Whenever you ride with a relative, you may give up your right to pursue further awards from your injuries, such as in the form of a personal injury lawsuit.
If a coworker, friend, or extended family member drove you, you may have the right to sue for additional compensation. If you choose to seek further compensation for your injuries as a passenger in a car accident, the assistance of a personal injury lawyer may help your claim.
Do Passengers Ever Share Liability for an Accident?
Investigators usually do not find passengers at fault for car accidents. As a passenger, you may receive fair compensation for your injuries, no matter who bears responsibility for the accident. The driver’s insurance policy may dismiss your claim in some situations, however. One example of this involves a willingness to knowingly get into a car with a drunk or otherwise intoxicated driver.
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Seeking Legal Representation as a Passenger in a Car Accident
If you traveled in a car involved in an accident, you may receive compensation for your injuries. Each accident differs, and your unique circumstances determine the parties you may pursue compensation from in a personal injury claim. At Ben Crump Law, PLLC, we want to discuss the individual details of your case with you during a free consultation. Contact our offices at (844) 730-0233 for help with your car accident case.
We work on a contingency fee basis and only collect payment if we secure financial awards in your favor.
Call or text (844) 730-0233 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
