When you get into a car with someone, you trust the driver to get you to your destination safely. But, the risk of an accident is always present. Unfortunately, you might have to bear the pain and the cost of severe injuries when mistakes are made, and you end up in a motor vehicle accident. After motor vehicle accidents, we are used to talking about drivers filing an insurance claim against the at-fault party. However, getting compensation as a passenger of a car accident is rarely discussed..
You are probably thinking about the type of claim you can file if you have been involved in a car accident and suffered injuries as a passenger. While you might not be sure of whom you need to sue, you likely need to be compensated to cover mounting hospital bills, and lost wages if you are unable to work.
Depending on your specific situation, as a passenger, you can seek compensation in various ways. If you are interested in filing a personal injury claim as a passenger, you should reach out to a Houston, Texas car wreck attorney. They can review your legal options, and figure out who you can go after in order to get compensation for your injuries.
Getting Compensation as a Passenger
The Driver of the Vehicle You Were in
The responsibility for your safety lies with the driver of the vehicle that you are traveling in. Therefore, your medical expenses should be covered by the driver’s insurance if you end up with injuries sustained in a car accident that was their fault.
Injured passengers should be covered by a specific portion of the driver’s insurance policy. You can get the compensation you seek to cover lost wages and medical costs associated with your injuries by filing a claim against the driver of the car you were riding in.
Sadly though, this portion of the insurance coverage is usually small. It might not cover your medical costs fully, especially if you sustained serious injuries.
The Driver of the Other Vehicle
You may not be able to seek compensation from the driver of the other vehicle if the driver you were riding with is entirely at fault. But, it is your right to file a claim for compensation if both drivers are found to have been at fault.
But it is important to note that you might be required to demonstrate that the other driver was at fault for the accident if you want to get any money from their insurance company. To prove this, you will need to gather testimony from witnesses and supporting evidence, among other things. You will be able to put together a strong case and collect all of the information needed, with the help of a Houston, Texas car accident lawyer.
Additional Compensation
You may want to seek additional compensation from the at-fault driver if your injuries are quite severe. If you suffered serious injuries that need to be treated over an extended period, this is the way to go. However, you should be prepared for a long and arduous legal process.
Your relationship with the driver will play a part in determining your ability to seek compensation from them. For instance, you might be considered to be included in the driver’s policy if you are an immediate family member. You will not be able to seek additional compensation in such a case.
On the other hand, you have every right to seek additional compensation from the driver if they are part of your extended family, a workmate or friend. You should speak with a knowledgable car accident lawyer in Houston, Texas if you choose this course of action.
As a Passenger, Can You Be Responsible for the Accident?
Regardless of who is found to have caused the accident, you can seek compensation as a passenger if you are not directly at fault for the accident. Cases of a passenger being at-fault are rare. Usually, they involve direct interaction with the driver or vehicle, such as grabbing the wheel or incapacitating the driver.
However, your claim can still get denied even if you are not at fault as a passenger. You may be disqualified from seeking any compensation if you knowingly get into a vehicle operated by a driver who is under the influence. You are considered responsible for the decision to get into a vehicle operated by a person you knew wasn’t capable of driving safely, even though you are not responsible for the accident.
Contact a Houston, Texas Car Accident Lawyer
If you’ve been injured in a car accident as a passenger, consult a personal injury attorney.. You can get the money you need to cover damages, lost earnings, and medical costs with the help of a team of legal experts.
It is important that you know how to seek compensation from the responsible driver as a passenger. Furthermore, you should seek legal advice from a personal injury law office in Houston, as the specifics of your case will determine who you can sue and how much you can get as compensation.
The experienced attorneys at McDonald Worley will be able to help you gather evidence to build a strong case, and recover the compensation you deserve. The initial consultation is free, and you only pay legal fees if we win your case. Call today and schedule a free case review.