Do Passengers Have Rights In Car Accident Cases?

Posted on: 15 November 2022

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In the days and weeks following a car accident, you may be focused on your injuries, working with insurance companies, and getting your life back to normal. If you were a passenger, things can be even more confusing. You may not be thinking about whether you have legal rights or what those rights might be.

If you've been hurt in a car accident that wasn't your fault, it's important to understand your legal options and make sure you're protecting your rights. Here's what you need to know about your rights as an injured passenger in a car accident.

Do Passengers Have a Case?

The first question you may have is whether you even have a legal case as a passenger involved in a car accident. The answer depends on a number of factors, including the severity of your injuries, the state you're in, and who was at fault for the accident.

In general, if you were hurt in a car accident that wasn't your fault, you have the right to file a personal injury claim against the responsible party. This could be the other driver, the owner of the car you were riding in, or even the manufacturer of a defective car part.

What Are Your Rights?

As an injured passenger, you have the same rights as anyone else who is hurt in a car accident. This means you have the right to:

  • Receive medical treatment.
  • Be compensated for your medical bills.
  • Be compensated for lost wages.
  • Be compensated for pain and suffering.

You may also be entitled to other types of damages, depending on the facts of your case. For example, if you lost a loved one in the same car accident, you may be able to file a wrongful death claim.

What Should You Do After a Car Accident?

If you've been involved in a car accident, it's important to take some key steps to protect your rights and give yourself the best chance at getting full and fair compensation. Here are some things you should do:

  • Seek medical attention right away, even if you don't think you're seriously hurt.
  • Get contact and insurance information from the other driver.
  • Don't give a statement to the other driver's insurance company.
  • Call an experienced car accident attorney.

Don't wait to take action after a car accident. The sooner you get help, the better your chances of getting the compensation you deserve.

For more information, contact a car wreck lawyer near you.