If you’ve been involved in an auto collision as a passenger, you might be unsure if you can file a claim for being a passenger in a car accident. Fortunately, you have several routes to financial compensation after such an incident, all involving filing an insurance claim.
Although there are many options available to you after a passenger car crash, taking advantage of them can be difficult. At Claggett, Sykes & Garza, we’re here for you. A Glastonbury car accident lawyer from our team can help you navigate the claims process, negotiate with insurers, and demand the damages you deserve.
Who You Can File a Car Accident Claim Against as a Passenger
There are several parties you may file an insurance claim against after suffering injuries and losses in a car accident as a passenger. Depending on the specific details of your case, your attorney may advise you to file a claim with one of the following:
The Other Driver’s Insurance Company
If the other driver is found at fault for the collision, you may file a claim with their insurance provider. A lawyer can help you send a demand letter to the insurer and negotiate a large enough settlement to cover your medical bills, lost wages, and other accident-related inconveniences.
It’s important to remember that the other driver’s insurer may reach out to you soon after the accident to take a statement or offer a settlement. Avoid talking to the insurer until you’ve hired an attorney. A lawyer can ensure you don’t say anything to the insurer that could hurt your claim.
An attorney can also answer any questions about filing a car accident claim as a passenger. Once they’ve provided the information you need to understand your legal options, they’ll negotiate with the provider to get the right amount of compensation for your losses.
Your Driver’s Insurer
If your driver was at fault for the crash, you can seek compensation by filing a claim with their liability car insurance provider. This process is similar to filing a claim with the other driver’s insurer, so you’ll want to consider hiring an attorney to help you construct a compelling claim.
An experienced lawyer can ensure that this process goes smoothly. That said, it might be difficult to recover damages if you are related to the at-fault driver. That’s because some insurance companies don’t cover family members. If that’s the case, you can still take another course of action to secure compensation.
Your Insurance Provider
If the at-fault driver is your family member, your losses exceed the at-fault driver’s insurance policy limit, or the at-fault driver is an uninsured driver, you can still file a claim with your own insurance provider. A lawyer can help you gather the evidence required to file a strong claim and work hard to get the damages you need to make a full recovery.
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Steps to Take After an Accident that You Were a Passenger in
If you were a passenger in a car accident, there are several steps you can take to ensure your claim is successful. Here’s what you can do after a collision to improve your chances of receiving fair compensation from the insurance company:
- Call 911: The first step you should take after any accident is to call emergency services. If anyone involved in the crash has severe injuries, an ambulance can provide the care they need. Local law enforcement can also respond to the scene and write up a crash report, which your attorney can use as evidence for your claim.
- Exchange information: Next, you’ll want to exchange insurance and contact information with the other driver(s) involved in the collision. Having their information will allow your attorney to file a claim with the correct insurer.
- Take photos: Taking photos of your injuries, vehicle damage, and the scene of the incident can provide the insurance company with proof that you were involved in the accident and that you suffered injuries and losses because of it.
- Seek medical attention: Insurance companies will want to see that you sought medical attention soon after your accident. If you don’t, the insurer might claim that your injuries are less severe or were caused by a different incident. Most importantly, getting proper care ASAP will ensure you don’t suffer further complications.
Damages a Passenger Can Receive from a Car Accident Claim
You can obtain several damages by filing a claim for a car accident you were involved in as a passenger. When you consult with a personal injury attorney, they’ll review the details of your accident, injuries, and losses. Then, they’ll calculate how much you should receive from an insurance claim.
Depending on how the collision has impacted your health and finances, you could receive any of the following damages:
- Current and ongoing medical bills
- Lost wages
- Future income losses
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
The damages listed above can change your life after a serious collision, but you’ll need the assistance of an experienced attorney to secure them. A knowledgeable lawyer can investigate your crash, stand up against dishonest insurers, and fight for the financial recovery you need to treat your injuries and replace the losses you’ve incurred.
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Schedule a Free Consultation With a Trusted Car Accident Attorney
Now that you know you may be eligible to file a claim for being a passenger in a car accident, it’s time to reach out to a lawyer and get started on your case. At Claggett, Sykes & Garza, we know how stressful it can be to deal with the aftermath of a serious crash, which is why we’re here for you.
A car accident attorney from our team in Connecticut can meet with you to determine if you have grounds for a claim. If you do, they’ll provide the effective legal advice and representation you need to file a successful claim. Contact us today to take the first step toward a settlement that meets your needs.
