Can You File a Lawsuit if You’re a Passenger in a Car Crash?

There are hundreds of car accidents in Houston every week. When you think about it, most of these cars have passengers in them. Unless you’re going to work, odds are, you have someone in the car with you. This means that a passenger in a car crash is likely going to get hurt. Front passengers are just as likely to be injured as the driver. When it comes to rear passengers, their safety depends on the type of accident. In a head-on collision, for example, the front passenger is more at risk than people in the back seat. In a rear-end collision, however, the opposite may be true.

After a car crash, there is a lot of confusion. The drivers are probably arguing about whose fault it was. Other cars are stopping to watch the commotion. As a passenger, you need to look out for yourself.

There are a few things you need to make sure happen after a car accident.

  • Call the police. Even if the drive refuses to do so, you need to call the cops. The officer can investigate the scene and prepare a police report. This report will have vital information that your Houston car accident attorney will need later on. The cops will also check to see if either of the drivers we if either of the drivers were under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the crash.
  • Go to the hospital. Some people don’t go to the hospital after an accident because they don’t think they’re hurt. The truth is, you have no idea if you’re hurt or not. You could have a traumatic brain injury or internal injuries. If left untreated, these injuries can prove fatal. You also need medical records to prove that you were hurt. Your Houston car accident attorney will need these to submit as evidence.
  • Contact an auto accident attorney in Texas. Your attorney is going to make sure your rights are protected. Even if the person driving the car is your family member or friend, you need to look out for number one.

If you follow these steps, you should have a good shot at receiving compensation for your injuries. If you don’t, you’re going to make your lawyer’s job a lot harder than it has to be.

Who Will You Sue if You’re Injured as a Passenger in a Car Crash?

If you’re the passenger in a car crash and get injured, you may need to file a claim for damages. The first thing you’ll need to do is decide who was at fault. The problem is, you may not know who was at fault. This means you’ll have to file a claim against both drivers’ insurance policies.

Your Houston car accident attorney will make sure your claim is filed properly. If the insurance company denies your claim, your lawyer will try to negotiate a settlement of your claim. If this isn’t possible, they’ll have no choice but to file a lawsuit on your behalf.

As much as you may not want to sue your friend or family member, you don’t have a choice. Plus, you’re not really suing your friend. You’re suing their insurance company. This is why people have insurance. To cover the costs of a car accident.

Will You Have to Sue Your Friend or Family Member?

If it’s determined that your friend was at fault, you may no choice but to pursue a claim against them. Again, this claim will be filed against their insurance company. Even if you have to sue, the lawsuit will name both the driver and their insurance company.

In your lawsuit, your Houston accident lawyer will demand the following types of damages:

  • Medical bills
  • Lost wages
  • Pain and suffering
  • Permanent disability (if necessary)

Ideally, the insurance company will settle the case long before it goes to trial. If push comes to shove, you may have to pursue the driver directly. Your attorney can talk to you about this and let you decide if this is something you’re prepared to do.

Contact an Experienced Car Accident Lawyer in Houston, Texas

If you’re the passenger in a car crash and have been injured, you’ll need to contact a personal injury lawyer in Houston. Your attorney can review your case and let you know who you need to pursue. Unfortunately, this means you may have to pursue someone you’re close to.

Call McDonald Worley today and schedule your initial consultation. The initial consultation is free and you pay nothing unless you settle your case.

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