Passenger Car Accident Injuries

In some car accident cases, passengers are hurt along with the driver and sustain similar injuries. Other times, passengers suffer more serious injuries than the driver, such as in a T-bone collision. After a car wreck, injured passengers are entitled to seek compensation for their own damages. This does not necessarily mean you have to sue the driver of the vehicle in which you were a passenger, who may be your family member or friend.  Read on for more information about claims arising from passenger injuries after an automobile crash.

If you were injured in a car accident as a passenger, you do not have to bring a claim against the driver of the vehicle in order to obtain compensation for your damages, including medical treatment, lost wages, and pain and suffering. In most cases, you can make a claim against his or her insurance company if you do not have your own auto insurance policy.  However,  if you do have your own car insurance coverage, your policy may pay for your medical expenses up to the limits of your coverage.

It is true that the driver’s policy rate may increase; however, insurance rates generally increase after any accident regardless of whether a passenger makes an injury claim. Remember, drivers have insurance to protect themselves, their passengers, and also strangers, in the event of a car accident.

If you were a passenger in a two-car accident, you may make a claim against the other driver if he was at fault for causing the accident. For example, if the vehicle in which you were traveling was rear-ended, you may pursue a claim against the driver of the car that hit yours in the rear.  Another example is if the vehicle you are a riding in is struck by a drunk driver.  In that case, you may pursue compensation from the drunk driver, his insurance company, or even perhaps the business that served or sold him alcohol under Georgia dram shop law.  

If you are at work and traveling in a company vehicle that is involved in an accident, workers’ compensation will most likely cover your injuries. In some cases, however, the driver of the vehicle in which you were a passenger may be liable for your damages. If a third party caused the accident, you could possibly make a claim against the third party’s insurance company as well.

If you have been injured in a car accident while a passenger, there may be a number of ways for you to recover compensation. The legal team at Katz Personal Injury Lawyers are experts in determining accident fault, finding available insurance benefits, and making sure injury victims are treated fairly after a motor vehicle collision. Call us today at (404) 460-0101 for your free consultation. We represent clients across the state of Georgia, including Canton, Augusta, Macon, Valdosta and anywhere in between.