Car wrecks can be dangerous, not only for drivers but passengers as well. You may suffer only because you were on the wrong seat in the wrong vehicle at the wrong time. Unfortunately, you may have nothing to do with the mishap because either or both of the drivers would be responsible. However, this does not mean that you should let the person responsible for your injuries getaway. You deserve compensation as much as the injured driver does, so you must go all the way to get it. Here are some facts you need to know about the compensation you can expect if injured as a passenger in a car accident.
Filing a passenger injury claim
Just as in a typical personal injury claim, the passenger needs to prove two things to make a valid claim: liability and damages. Essentially, the driver of the car you are commuting in as a passenger has a duty of care to ensure your safety. If it is a single-vehicle crash, such as a collision with a tree, the driver is liable for negligence. Conversely, at least one of the drivers is responsible if you have a two-car accident. In any case, you need to prove the liability and you can file a claim on one or both the drivers who have been negligent. The calculation of the value of the claim is also done in the same way as in the case of typical personal injury claims. It includes the expenses on medical treatment, lost wages, and non-economic damages like pain and suffering. You also have to gather valid evidence to establish your case.
Involvement of multiple passengers
Another aspect of passenger injury claims is the involvement of multiple passengers in the mishap. This is possible more often than not because a number of passengers may be in the vehicle at the time of the crash. All of them can rightfully file personal injury claims against the negligent driver. But a car wreck lawsuit that involves multiple claimants can get complicated. If the total value of the claims is more than the driver’s insurance coverage, each of the injured persons will probably have to settle for less than what their case is worth. While the claimants may mutually agree to share from the same pot, they may even file suit if there is a dispute related to the value of share they will get individually.
Getting the compensation you deserve
Although passenger claims can be complex as compared to the conventional driver accident cases, it is still possible to get the compensation you deserve. For example, you can actually get a hefty sum if you are commuting in a cab because cab companies have big insurance covers to pay the passengers who get injured in accidents while riding with them. Whether you will be able to get a fair settlement depends on the expertise of your attorney. So you should hire a professional who is capable of doing the best for you.
Passengers are entitled to compensation if they are hurt due to the negligence of their driver. Rather, you deserve it all the more because you trusted them with your life and safety.