You may feel hopeless if injured in an accident where you were not the driver. An injured passenger may incur medical costs, lost wages, and many other expenses.
Contrary to what some believe, passengers who sustain injuries in a car accident have a right to receive compensation. In many cases, it’s a much more straightforward process than that of the involved drivers.
To receive fair compensation, you should follow the appropriate steps:
Get Everyone’s Information
You should collect information from all the involved drivers. Document the accident time and clearly outline the details of the accident. Your documentation should include drivers’ names, contact information, insurance information, car make and model, location, and photos.
The claims process may determine which driver is at fault for the accident. Make sure to collect as much information as possible and request a copy of the police report. Regardless of who appears to be at fault, it’s crucial to obtain this information from all sides.
File an Injured Passenger Claim
The driver will file their own car accident claim. However, you should also submit an injured passenger claim. You will typically file this with all drivers’ insurance companies and allow them to determine who is at fault and responsible for payment.
Submitting a third-party claim against the drivers’ policies will not affect your insurance, though you may also consider filing with your insurance policy as well. Some no-fault states encourage passengers to file against the PIP (Personal Injury Protection) Coverage on their insurance. PIP is a component of insurance that covers medical expenses regardless of who is at fault and often includes lost wages.
Hire an Experienced Personal Injury Lawyer
Hiring a good lawyer may be your best option for ensuring you receive proper and fair compensation. Even if you don’t need to take your claim to court, hiring an attorney can be beneficial.
Personal injury law firms guide you through the process of filing your claim. Additionally, personal injury attorneys can gather additional evidence and advise you whether you should sue for any additional damages.
Saladino & Schaaf has extensive experience helping injured passengers receive the compensation they deserve. Contact us today for a free case evaluation or give a call at 270-444-0406.