When you are involved in a car accident, it can be life changing, especially if you suffer injuries as a result. It can be particularly difficult if you are a passenger in the vehicle, as you had no control over avoiding the accident. As a result of the accident, you may be facing medical costs and even a lengthy and expensive recovery. In situations like these, it is important to note that as a passenger injured in a Southern California car accident, you have the right to receive compensation for your injuries.
Southern California Passenger Personal Injury Claim
When you are a passenger in a vehicle that is involved in an accident, you are not considered at fault. This means that you will be able to make a personal injury claim for the costs of your injuries regardless of which driver was at fault for the accident.
- Your Driver is at Fault: If your driver caused the accident that resulted in your injuries, you can still receive compensation from that driver. A driver is responsible for the safety of their passengers, so if the passengers are hurt as a result of their negligence or carelessness while driving, they are responsible for those injuries. As an injured passenger, you can bring a claim against your driver which would typically be paid out by their insurance. There can however be certain insurance exclusions for certain passengers that are related to the driver.
- Another Driver is at Fault: If you are injured in an accident involving another vehicle and the driver of the other vehicle is at fault, you have a right bring a personal injury claim against that driver, just like the driver of your car could bring the claim. As in the previous situation, the claim would likely be covered by the responsible driver’s car insurance. Also, even if your driver was partially at fault, your recovery as a passenger would not be limited because you were not responsible for the accident. In this case, you could bring a claim against both drivers.
Personal injuries caused by a car accident can be painful and life changing. Even if the injuries seem minor, these injuries can disrupt your day to day living and activities. As a passenger it can feel especially frustrating when you are injured due to no fault of your own. A personal injury claim against the driver (or drivers) responsible will not take away your physical pain, but it can help to ease the financial burden you may be facing due to medical bills and other recovery costs while you try to heal.
If you are the passenger in a vehicle that gets in a Southern California car accident and you suffer injuries as a result of the accident, it is important that you contact an experienced Southern California personal injury attorney at Walch Law. Our personal injury lawyers have years of experience handling passenger personal injury claims and will work hard to get the compensation you deserve for your injuries.
If you or someone you love is in this situation, contact Walch Law today to schedule a free consultation at 866-465-8792.