You can file a personal injury claim if you were a passenger in a car accident. Depending on where you live, you could file a claim with the at-fault driver’s liability insurance and recoup compensation for your losses. However, this is easier said than done––especially if the driver of your vehicle acted negligently.
You have legal rights as an injured person and could find value in partnering with a car accident lawyer. They can file your claim, evaluate your losses, and seek the best possible resolution.
You Can File a Personal Injury Claim as a Passenger in a Car Accident
As a passenger, you are entitled to the same compensation that you would be entitled to if you were driving a vehicle. Compensable losses in your case may comprise:
Economic Damages
These damages refer to your financial losses, and they include:
- Medical treatment
- Lost wages
- Lost earning capacity
- Property damage expenses
You can also recover anything you spent out of pocket, such as on transportation arrangements or childcare costs.
Non-Economic Damages
Just like if you were driving a vehicle, it is possible to suffer non-economic damages as a passenger. These damages do not have inherent values, so how much you can recover depends on your situation. Examples of compensable non-economic damages include:
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Disfigurement and scarring
- Disability
You deserve to recover full compensation for your accident. Yet, seeking damages is more than filing a claim and awaiting a response. It involves proving negligence, having supporting evidence, and understanding your case’s value.
For a free legal consultation, call,
(888) 585-2188
Why Hire a Car Accident Lawyer?
After the collision, the involved drivers may hire their own lawyers to recoup compensation for their losses. However, these attorneys work for their clients’ best interests, not yours. So, you could benefit from having your own legal team pursue justice and compensation.
Here’s what you can expect when you entrust your case to an attorney:
They Handle Your Case on Contingency
You have enough expenses after a collision. You don’t want to worry about attorney’s fees, too. That’s why many car accident lawyers operate on contingency. Getting their attorney’s fees is contingent on your case’s success. You don’t pay retainers or upfront costs to get started.
They Investigate the Accident
To file a claim and receive a settlement, you must seek damages from the appropriate party. This could be from an insurance company or directly from another individual. In either case, to determine liability, your lawyer needs evidence, and they can review:
- Traffic camera footage
- Police reports
- Eyewitness testimony
- Photos of the accident scene
Your lawyer may also consult with accident reconstruction specialists to gain further insight into the accident, your injuries, and anything else relevant.
They Explain Your Options and Next Steps
If you’ve never been in a collision before, you may feel at a loss about your legal options. That’s where having a lawyer could benefit you. They can use their experience to outline your next steps and explain the best possible route for your case. You should never feel in the dark or uncertain about your case’s outcome. You deserve communicative representation.
They File Your Claim and Negotiate a Settlement
You don’t have to deal with insurance-related matters when you have a car accident lawyer. They can file your claim with the insurer and pursue a fair settlement. This involves:
- Understanding your case’s details, including the extent of your injuries
- Reviewing the liable policy
- Maintaining communications with the insurer
- Evaluating your losses
- Fighting for what you need
- Presenting additional evidence
No matter where you live, you have rights when dealing with an insurance company. Your lawyer will uphold these protections throughout your partnership.
They Manage Your Lawsuit’s Deadlines and Other Obligations
In most cases, filing a lawsuit isn’t necessary to recover compensation after a car accident. However, if the insurer refuses to settle, this could be an option for recovering compensation. You must file your lawsuit within the appropriate statute of limitations or risk losing the right to seek damages.
How long you have to file your case depends on where you live and when the accident occurred. You don’t have to decipher complicated legalese to understand your rights; a lawyer can handle that for you.
What if I Was in a Rideshare Accident? Could I Still Seek Damages?
It doesn’t matter whether you were hurt as a passenger in your friend’s car or a rideshare driver’s; you can still seek damages. Uber and Lyft both have insurance policies that cover passengers when accidents happen. The amount of coverage you have, along with how much you can actually recover, depends on many factors.
This is yet another reason why you may consider hiring a lawyer. They can compel damages from the rideshare company’s insurer and advocate for what you need.
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How Do You Find the Right Attorney for You?
Many attorneys offer free consultations for those suffering personal injuries as the result of someone else’s negligence. These conversations allow you to ask questions and learn more about your next steps with no obligation to work with the firm.
Complete a Free Case Evaluation form now
Pursue Compensation After a Collision With Jenner Law
At Jenner Law, we give each of our clients the personal attention they deserve. We discuss their accident thoroughly, speak with the necessary professionals, and account for each of their injury-related losses. Our team has helped our clients recover millions of dollars in damages.
If you were injured as a passenger in a car accident, you don’t have to sit back while insurance companies and other people’s lawyers discuss what’s best for you. File your own personal injury claim and make sure that your best interests are taken into account. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Call or text (888) 585-2188 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form