Car accidents are frightening – even more so if you are the passenger. Passengers have no control over the accident and have the same worries about injuries and insurance. We often talk about what a driver should do after a car accident, but we rarely hear about what passengers do. Here are your rights as a passenger in a car accident.
There is no way for a passenger to be considered at fault for an accident. Because passengers have no control over the vehicle, it is very unlikely for the passenger to be liable for the accident in any way.
After an accident, it is always important to alert the police and seek medical attention. Make sure to talk directly to the investigating officer, as they can occasionally forget to add passengers to the report, which can cause problems with the insurance carrier. Take photos and get the contact information of both drivers, and any witnesses. After all this, you’ll want to speak to an attorney regarding your case and what your next steps should be.
Making a claim is important for recovering both economic and non-economic damages, whether that be pain and suffering or medical costs. You could file a claim with the other driver’s insurance, your driver’s insurance, or your own car insurance. If your driver is not in your immediate family, you may have the right to sue for further compensation. Navigating through this is difficult, but there are resources out there for help.
Filing a claim can be complex after being injured as a passenger. This is why you’ll need to speak with an experienced attorney who specializes in personal injury. Here at Greathouse Trial Law, we want to help you understand what your rights are as a passenger in a car accident.
Contact us today for your free case evaluation. We aim to serve the great people of Atlanta and to give a voice to the voiceless.
