If you got hurt in a car accident as a passenger, you have the right to seek and recover compensation from the at-fault driver or drivers. This usually requires filing an insurance claim, although a personal injury lawsuit might be necessary in some cases.
A Dallas car accident lawyer can navigate the legal process for you. You can contact an attorney for a free initial case consultation to learn more about your passenger rights. Most handle these cases with no upfront fees.
What Rights Do I Have After a Crash When I Was Riding With Another Driver?
When a careless or reckless driver causes a collision, and you are a passenger in another car, you have a right to pursue compensation for damages arising from your injuries, expenses, and losses. You can file an insurance claim against the at-fault driver and negotiate for a fair settlement.
Navigating this process is often easier when you hire a car accident attorney to manage it. They can identify and value your damages, file the claim, and negotiate a settlement when possible. While they handle your case, you can focus on your treatment and healing while they handle the rest.
What If I Was Riding With the At-Fault Driver?
Passengers riding with the at-fault driver also have a right to file an insurance claim to recover financial compensation. Their claim would be based on the at-fault driver’s liability policy, which Texas law requires all drivers to carry.
The process of recovering compensation from the at-fault driver when you were riding in their car should be the same as if you were filing a claim against a negligent driver behind the wheel in another car.
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Do I Have to Sue the At-Fault Driver to Recover Damages?
Many people are concerned they may have to sue the at-fault driver after a crash. This is especially a problem if they were riding with a friend or family member who made a mistake behind the wheel that caused the crash. They do not want to sue their loved one but need money to pay for their treatment and other costs.
In most cases, crash victims do not need to sue for compensation. Lawyers can negotiate fair settlements with the insurance carrier without making the process more adversarial by pursuing a civil suit.
However, lawsuits may be necessary if the auto insurance provider refuses to work with you to issue a fair payout. In Texas, you generally have up to two years from the crash date to decide if you must sue under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 16.003. If you contact an auto accident attorney quickly after the collision, this should give them an opportunity to try to settle the case without a lawsuit.
What Damages Can I Recover as an Injured Car Accident Passenger?
Filing an insurance claim or lawsuit is about getting justice and compensation suffered in a crash. This includes recovering appropriate compensation based on a victim’s expenditures and holding the at-fault driver legally responsible. However, the insurance company usually bears the brunt of the financial consequences of a crash. This protects the relationship between the victim and the driver if they have one.
Recovering fair compensation for your treatment, rehabilitation, and care is especially important for those who have a traumatic brain injury, paralysis injury, or other catastrophic injuries. These injuries require ongoing care and support while also limiting the victim’s ability to work and earn a living. They are truly life-altering for victims and their families.
The recoverable damages in a car accident vary based on the specific expenses and losses the victim endured. However, examples of economic losses our auto accident team can recover from a car insurance provider include:
- Current and future medical expenses
- Current and future lost income
- Diminished earning capacity for lasting injuries
- Miscellaneous expenses
- Pain and suffering losses
Car accident attorneys can identify, value, and document collision-related damages. This is essential to knowing when the insurance carrier provides a fair settlement offer and knowing how much the victim needs to cover their future care and support needs.
877-239-4878Available 24/7 | 356 Days | se habla español
How Can a Car Accident Attorney Help With My Crash Case?
One way to protect your rights as a passenger in a car accident is to hire a personal injury law firm to handle your case. You do not have to manage your insurance claim or lawsuit alone. A car accident lawyer can lead the process for you and pursue fair compensation by holding the at-fault driver responsible.
Your attorney will listen to your side of the story and help you understand your legal options, whether you were in the vehicle with the at-fault driver or riding in another car. They will identify your damages, value your case, and push the at-fault driver’s insurance company to give you the money you deserve based on the evidence.
You can focus on your treatment, rehabilitation, and recovery while your auto collision lawyer builds a compelling case and recovers a compensation award so you can cover your medical care and continuing costs, lost income, and other accident-related expenses. Most personal injury firms will begin work on your case on a contingency fee basis, charging no upfront fees. This allows you to afford legal representation regardless of your current financial concerns.
Tell Us About Your Car Accident – Talk With Our Team Today for Free
Loncar Lyon Jenkins provides free consultations for crash victims hurt as passengers in an accident. We understand your rights and how to seek fair compensation based on your expenses and losses.
We can help injured parties and loved ones who’ve lost someone. Call in the Strong Arm and let us review your case’s facts and answer your questions during a free consultation. Contact us online or via telephone today.
