You sometimes do not realize your legal rights as a passenger in a car accident. Passengers are vulnerable to injuries in car accidents, and sometimes, they’re more susceptible to severe injuries. Suppose you get injured due to a driver’s negligence while on the road, you can file a personal injury claim. The right Atlanta car accident lawyer will get you the compensation you deserve.
You have the right to file a lawsuit if you get hurt in a car crash as a passenger. In this article, a skilled Ted. A Greve and Associates lawyer will walk you through your rights as a passenger in a car accident in Atlanta. You will also learn your responsibilities as a passenger in a car. Now that you know what to expect, let’s take a look.
Overview of a Passenger’s Rights
As a passenger in an accident, you have as much right as the driver. The at-fault driver should cover your economic damages like the medical bills and non-economic damages. This stands whether the driver at fault is driving the car you’re in or another vehicle.
Police Reports
Usually, the scene of a car accident can be pretty confusing, and the last thing on your mind is paperwork. However, if you can, you must ensure the police list you as a passenger in a car accident. Ensure you speak to a police officer at the scene, so it features in the police report. If you’re not medically able to talk to an officer, you can ensure your insurance company does this for you. Ensure you notify your insurance carrier of the incident to ensure you get the compensation you deserve.
How to File Your Claim as a Passenger in an Atlanta Car Accident
When filing a claim, you need an experienced Atlanta car accident lawyer to ensure you get your rightful compensation. If you’re not clear who is at fault in the car accident, you can file a claim against both drivers. Doing this will ensure that the insurance company processes your claim as soon as the fault is determined.
Ensure you get the insurance information of both drivers quickly. If you’re medically able to, you should do this right at the scene of the accident. If you cannot do this, your Atlanta car accident lawyer can get a copy of the police report so that you can get the necessary details. More importantly, you need to get the insurance information of the driver of the car you were a passenger in. This is because drivers have a duty of care to all passengers.
The Importance of Comparative Fault in an Atlanta Car Accident
In some situations, the passenger is considered negligent in a car accident. If you interfere with a driver’s action, you’re deemed comparatively negligent. In cases where comparative negligence applies, the court would reduce your damages based on the degree of your fault.
As a passenger, your responsibility is to ensure your safety and others in the vehicle. An example is wearing your seatbelt in the car. If you’re found to have worsened your injuries, it will hurt your claim. The driver’s insurance carrier will often try to prove comparative negligence to reduce your claim. That’s why you need an Atlanta car accident lawyer to ensure you get your total settlement.
Filing Against Friends and Family
Most times, passengers file a car accident claim against their car driver, and it is a friend or family member. This situation is especially common where the accident involves a single vehicle. Maybe the driver struck a tree or ran into an obstacle not involving another car. Most people hesitate to file a claim in such cases because it might damage the relationship. This is usually not the case, and it remains important to seek compensation for your injuries.
You must remember that you’re suing the insurance company and not the person. The insurance company pays for your expenses. Therefore, you should be comfortable moving forward with your claims against family or friends.
Hire an Atlanta Accident Lawyer Today!
If you suffer injuries as a passenger in a car accident, you should immediately contact an experienced car accident lawyer. Filing a claim ensures that you get the proper compensation for your economic and non-economic damages.
The Atlanta car accidents attorneys at Ted A. Greve and Associates ensure that your case is appropriately represented. We also ensure that you receive the medical care you need for your physical, emotional, and psychological injuries. Contact our lawyers today to understand your rights better and get the total compensation you deserve.
