When an auto accident occurs, it’s the auto’s passengers who often suffer injury. Being a passenger who is injured in a car accident is a serious situation, and understanding your rights as a passenger is crucial if you find yourself injured in an auto accident. A car accident lawyer can help you determine your best legal options if you are/were a passenger in an auto accident.
Can a Passenger Make a Claim Against the Auto Driver?
A passenger has the right to make a claim against the driver if the driver was at fault. Car accident lawyers often help passengers in cases such as these. If you’re wondering if a passenger can make a claim against a driver who is not at fault, the answer is typically no, but discussing your case with a car accident injury lawyer near me can provide clarity.
What If the Passenger and Driver Are Related?
Insurance policies may cover passenger liability insurance even if the driver and passenger are family members. However, some insurers may have specific exclusions or limitations for family members. Contacting a car accident injury lawyer near me can help clarify these situations.
What Coverage Would Pay for the Injuries to the Passenger?
Several types of coverage may pay if you are a passenger in a car accident. Learning more about these types of coverage is important if you are a passenger in a car crash.
The At-Fault Driver’s Liability Insurance
Coverage often includes bodily injury liability, which pays for the medical costs and pain and suffering of injured passengers.
The Driver’s Personal Injury Protection (PIP)
Some states require PIP, which covers medical bills regardless of who was at fault in a car accident passenger claim.
Medical Payments Coverage
This can be part of either the driver’s or the passenger’s insurance policy, covering medical expenses up to a certain limit.
How to Make a Claim as a Passenger?
A car accident lawyer can help you make a claim as a passenger. Choosing the best lawyer for a car accident can save you time and make the process much easier.
Three Options for Filing Claims as a Passenger
Passengers injured in car accidents have three primary options for filing claims. These options include:
File a Claim with the Other Driver’s Insurer
Deciding to file a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance is a common route. This insurance should cover bodily injury expenses for injured passengers. Make sure all evidence has been well-documented to support your claim. If you’re a passenger in a car accident, this is often the first step.
File a Claim Through Your Driver’s Policy
If the at-fault driver lacks sufficient insurance coverage, the injured passenger may need to claim through the driver’s policy. This includes PIP, medical payments coverage and uninsured motorist coverage, which can help cover any medical expenses regardless of fault. Reaching out to a car accident lawyer near me can help guide you through this process without issue.
File a Claim Through Your Own Car or Health Insurance
If other avenues have been exhausted, passengers can commonly turn to their own insurance. Health insurance may cover medical bills, while your car insurance could offer some coverage if it includes uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. If you have ever wondered if liability insurance covers passengers in your car, it’s good to know that your own policy may provide a safety net.
Contact a Car Accident Lawyer Near Me to Learn More
Passengers in car accidents have multiple ways of seeking compensation. Knowing and understanding your legal rights, and the types of available coverage, is essential if you are seeking a bodily injury car accident settlement. A car accident lawyer can often play a critical role in offering professional assistance if you’ve been injured in a car accident as a passenger.
These professionals will guide you through each phase, whether it’s filing a claim against someone else’s insurance, learning about passenger liability coverage, or handling multiple insurance claims. You will have much more peace of mind by working with an experienced lawyer for car accidents.
