When involved in an automobile accident, it can feel as though you have no real control of the situation. Everything happens quickly, and you may have been unable to take any preventive measures. This feeling of no control can be exceptionally intense for passengers who were involved in an accident. When involved as a passenger in an accident, it may be unclear what your rights are, especially when it comes to personal injury claims.
What Do I Do?
If you’ve been involved in an automobile accident, it is primarily important to seek any medical attention you may require. Your health and safety should be your top priorities in this situation. You’ll also want to gather all information possible, including that of the other driver if more than one vehicle was involved. It is also helpful to take pictures or a video of the scene.
Who Do I Get Compensation From?
As a passenger, you may be more hesitant about seeking compensation. This is often due to the personal relationship you may have had with the driver. While your friend or family member may have been the at-fault driver, it is ultimately their insurance that you are seeking compensation from. You have the right to be compensated for your injuries, regardless of the relationship you have with the driver.
It is important to seek compensation from the insurance company, and never agree to out-of-pocket reimbursement. This can happen with drivers who are worried about their rates going up. This should be avoided due to how unpredictable vehicle injuries can be. You may require additional surgeries, treatments, or physical therapy due to injuries sustained. This is what insurance is for.
Work With an Experienced Attorney
If you were a passenger in an accident, and you want to seek compensation for your injuries, we can help. We understand that this can be emotionally trying, but it is important to remember you are seeking compensation from an insurance company, not directly from the driver. Contact us to learn more about your rights and how we can help.
