Being Paid Damages After Passenger Injuries


Passengers can be badly injured in car accidents even if they are only along for the ride. If you were hurt in a car accident as a passenger, it's important to know what to do. You probably have injuries and other damages and you deserve compensation. Read on to find what steps you should take based on the circumstances of the accident.  

Understanding Damages 

When it comes to car accidents, the word damages applies not only to the damage done to the vehicle itself but also to people and their lives. As a passenger in a wreck, you may be eligible for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Don't accept a settlement from any insurer or driver that does not account for all those forms of damage. Also, don't make any moves without consulting with a personal injury lawyer. They can help you get what you deserve after being injured. 

What To Do After the Accident

  • Be treated for your injuriesIf you were not badly hurt and failed to go to the hospital at the time of the accident, you may not have a claim for damages. In other words, you cannot be paid for lost wages or pain and suffering if you did not report any physical injuries after the accident. 
  • As soon as you can, obtain a copy of the accident report. This report is created by law enforcement and contains a wealth of information. You should be able to find out who the other driver was along with their insurance information. You should also note whether your driver was insured. This is very important. One of the most interesting and valuable aspects of an accident report is the summary which details what happened. That will tell you which vehicle was in the wrong, your vehicle or the other vehicle. 
  • Contact your insurer. If you are covered for auto accidents under your own insurance policy, contact them right away. They will question you about the time and location of the accident and your medical injuries. Whether they will pay anything for your damages depends on other aspects of the accident and the presence of other insurers in the incident. 
  • Understand the part fault plays. If the driver of the car you occupied is determined to be at fault, you should file a claim on their insurance. If the other driver is at fault, that insurer is responsible for paying your losses. However, if the driver that caused the accident is not insured, you may use your state's uninsured motorist coverage to file a claim. Not all states provide victims with that option. 

Consult an auto accident attorney to learn more. 

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Maintaining Your Cool After An Accident

When you are involved in a potentially complicated car accident, you never know what you will have to deal with next. From struggles with finances to setbacks with your health, it can be difficult to wrap your mind around just how much your life could change. Although many people are focused on doing what they can to maintain their cool, the fact of the matter is that it can be a real challenge. However, if you work with the right legal team, you can streamline the entire experience. From having someone by your side to fight legal challenges to working with a professional to take care of paperwork, lawyers can be incredibly helpful.

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