Just Along For The Ride And Injured In An Accident
It's not only drivers that can be injured in a car accident. If you were just along for the ride but ended up with injuries after a collision, you may be entitled to compensation. Read on and find out more.
Fault May Not Matter
When it comes to vehicle accidents, fault is very important. However, passengers are protected from being involved in any form of fault after an accident. Therefore, either the other driver is at fault, or the driver in the car as you is at fault. If you want to be paid compensation, you have to take action against the driver held liable for the accident.
Taking Action Against a Friend
What might that mean if your driver was at fault? Unfortunately, taking action against a loved one, a co-worker, or a friend can feel awkward. However, you should keep in mind that you are not personally suing someone you know. As long as the driver was insured, the insurers are the ones who will pay you the compensation you deserve. If you have medical insurance, you can use your own policy to obtain treatment. However, with auto accidents, health insurers may seek to claim money from the driver's insurer in an insurance action known as subrogation. That means your insurer could take action to be paid back any medical expenses as a result of your injury. This occurs whether you take action yourself or not.
How To Be Compensated After a Passenger Injury
Accident injuries can call for several forms of damages – even for passengers. The only thing you cannot claim is the wrecked vehicle. Other than that, you may be entitled to be paid for your medical treatment costs, lost wages, personal property like a cell phone, and pain and suffering. Don't put off taking the below steps. You must take action within a certain period of time or lose your rights entirely to be compensated.
- Get treatment immediately. Go to the closest emergency room or urgent care clinic. See your own doctor right away if you can.
- Keep up with all medical paperwork. Use a file folder to keep your statements, receipts, medical records, and more organized and in one place.
- Get the insurance information for both sides. You can obtain a copy of the accident report by contacting the law enforcement authority that responded to the accident. This report may also list the contact information for eye-witnesses to the accident and your lawyer may need that information also.
Speak to a car accident lawyer about your accident right away to find out more.
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