Can I Sue as a Passenger in a Car Accident?
If you’ve been injured as a passenger in a car accident, you may wonder about your legal rights and options for seeking compensation to cover your medical bills and other damages. Understanding these rights is essential for securing the support and compensation you deserve. Discover your legal avenues, the types of damages you can claim, and the process of filing a lawsuit.
Eligibility to Sue
Who Can You Sue?
As a passenger, you have the right to sue various parties depending on the circumstances of the car accident:
- The Driver of the Car You’re In: If the driver was at fault, you can file a claim against them.
- Other Drivers Involved: If another driver caused the accident, they can be held responsible for not only the driver of the car you were in but any passengers that were in either vehicle.
- Government Entities: In cases involving poor road conditions due to road construction or faulty traffic signals, a government entity may be liable.
It’s important to remember that filing a claim against a driver doesn’t necessarily mean you are suing a friend or family member directly. Typically, the claim is against their insurance company, which handles the compensation for damages.
Establishing Fault
Determining fault is a critical step in pursuing an injury claim or a lawsuit. Typically, the at-fault party is identified through police reports, witness statements, and accident reconstruction. It’s important to note that as a passenger, your claim focuses on proving the negligence of the responsible party, rather than your own actions. An injury claim or lawsuit would be filled against the at fault party’s insurance so knowing who was responsible for the car accident is crucial.
Fault is generally assigned based on who acted negligently. For instance, if the driver of your car was speeding or distracted, they might be considered at fault. Alternatively, if another driver ran a red light, they could be liable. Understanding fault is crucial because it influences the source of your compensation.
Types of Damages Recoverable
Passengers can claim a variety of damages, including:
- Medical Expenses: Reimbursement for past and future healthcare costs.
- Lost Wages: Compensation for income lost or time off from work due to the injury or needed treatment.
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for both physical pain and emotional distress.
In addition to these, you might be eligible for compensation for other out-of-pocket expenses such as transportation costs for medical visits or costs for home care if needed.
Special vs. General Damages
- Special Damages: These are quantifiable losses like medical expenses, lost earnings, and other financial costs incurred due to the accident.
- General Damages: These compensate for non-financial losses like pain and suffering, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life.
These are more subjective and can vary greatly based on the extent of your injuries and how they affect your daily life.
Permanent Injury
If your injuries are permanent, you may be entitled to additional compensation. Permanent injuries can significantly impact your quality of life and ability to work, increasing the amount of damages you can claim.
Legal Process for Filing a Claim
Step-by-Step Guide
- Consult with an Attorney: Seek legal advice to evaluate your case. Consultations with a personal injury lawyer are free so it’s in your best interest to at the very least talk to one to explore your options.
- Investigation: Your accident attorney will gather evidence, including medical records and accident reports.
- File a Claim: Initiate the personal injury claim by filing the necessary paperwork.
- Negotiation: Attempt to reach a settlement with the insurance company.
- Trial: If a settlement cannot be reached, your lawyer can file a lawsuit and your case may go to trial. Sometimes the simple act of filing a lawsuit will get the insurance company to increase the amount of compensation they are offering.
Your accident attorney will assist you through every stage of the process, making sure that all legal requirements are fulfilled that deadlines are met, and that you obtain the compensation you deserve.
Statute of Limitations
Every state sets specific deadlines for filing a personal injury claim. In Virginia, you generally have two years from the accident date to file a claim or initiate a lawsuit. If you miss this deadline, you could lose your right to seek compensation, so it’s important to act quickly. For more information, visit our car accidents in Virginia page.
Role of Insurance
Dealing with Insurance Companies
Handling insurance claims can be complex. Having an attorney negotiate with insurance companies is recommended to receive a fair settlement and maximum compensation. Insurance companies frequently try to reduce payouts, so legal representation can greatly impact the success of your injury claim.
Underinsured and Uninsured Scenarios
If the at-fault driver doesn’t have sufficient insurance, your attorney can look into alternative options, such as your own insurance policy, for compensation. This may involve:
- Uninsured Motorist Coverage: An at-fault driver with no insurance.
- Underinsured Motorist Coverage: An at-fault driver’s insurance is not enough to cover your damages.
These coverages can provide an essential safety net in cases where the responsible party cannot fully compensate you for your injuries.
Potential Challenges and How to Overcome Them
Being a passenger in a car wreck comes with less challenges as passengers are typically not to blame for the accident. Common obstacles in passenger injury claims can include disputes over fault as this may delay filing your claim, the severity of injuries, and insurance company resistance. Strengthening your case with thorough documentation, including medical records and witness statements, can help overcome these challenges and ensure sufficient compensation. Additionally, having an experienced injury attorney can ensure that your rights are protected and your case is presented effectively.
Real-Life Examples
One of our clients was in an Uber going to a concert in Virginia Beach with her friends. The driver ran a red light and unfortunately t-boned another car in the intersection. Our client was taken to the emergency room by ambulance. She was getting an MRI and CT scan when she should have been enjoying a concert with her friends. She ended up with a broken arm, concussion, and facial lacerations among other more minor injuries. Her treatment include surgery as well as scar treatment for a large laceration on her forehead. As you can imagine, her medical bills were extremely high and her time from work was extensive. Our car accident attorneys were able to get her the maximum compensation – 5 times what the insurance company initially offered. Even though the driver of the vehicle was at fault, our client as a passenger was still able to obtain compensation from an injury claim because she was just a passenger.
FAQ
- Can I sue my friend or family member? Yes, but remember, the claim isagainst their insurance company. While the claim may name your friend or family member as the defendant, their insurance company is the entity that will pay out the settlement amount for your injuries and other damages.
- What if the accident was partially my fault? As a passenger, it is extremely rare to be found at fault for a car accident. Fault in a car wreck is usually assigned to one of the drivers involved.
- How long does the process take? The timeline can vary, but having a knowledgeable accident attorney can expedite the process. The length of an injury claim depends on the amount of medical treatment needed and if a lawsuit is filed should the insurance company be unwilling to offer a reasonable settlement amount.
- What types of damages can I claim? You can claim medical bills, lost earnings and time from work, and pain suffering, and inconvenience, among others.
- Who can I sue? Possible defendants include the driver of your car, other involved drivers, and even government entities in some cases.
Understanding your rights as a passenger in a car accident is essential for seeking the compensation you deserve. Contact Huffman & Huffman Brothers-in-Law today to schedule a FREE consultation with our VA personal injury lawyer and get the help you need.