Can a Passenger in a Motor Vehicle Accident File Suit Against the Other Driver in Georgia?

Passenger in an Accident

There are some people who insist on driving themselves everywhere. They either don’t trust their friends or family to drive, or they just prefer to be in control. However, from time to time, all of us are a passenger in someone else’s vehicle. Maybe you’re going to dinner with your significant other and don’t feel like driving. Or, you’re going out for a few drinks and decide to appoint a designated driver. It can be hard to put your fate into someone else’s hands. But that’s life. It doesn’t make sense for you to drive if someone else is willing to take you. That means, at some point, you may end up being the passenger in an accident while somebody else is at the wheel.

Normally, when this happens, you file your insurance claim and get your check within a week or two. If your claim is small, this is probably what will happen. However, if the claim is large or involves multiple vehicles, things can become a bit more complicated. No matter who is at fault – the other driver or the person whose car you’re in – you know it wasn’t you. Why should you have to cover your own medical bills if you weren’t even the one driving? This is a question a lot of passengers in Augusta, Georgia have.

The good news is that experienced car accident lawyers in Augusta, Georgia know the answer to this question. They have handled several of cases just like yours. They know how the law works and they have a lot of experience dealing with insurance adjusters in Georgia. This is why you should contact our office as soon as possible after your car crash.

What if You’re a Passenger in an Accident and Your Driver Was at Fault?

Most people would feel rather uncomfortable filing a claim against their friend or family member’s insurance policy. It almost feels as if you’re blaming or betraying your friend. What you have to remember is that you’re not doing anything personally to your friends and family. You are filing a claim against their insurance company. It’s business – it’s not personal. And, if the person driving the car that you’re in was at fault, you have no choice. You need to be reimbursed for your medical care. And, if you were out of work for a while, you’re going to need to be paid for your lost wages. The best way to do this is to file your car insurance claim.

Some of the damages you may be entitled to as a passenger in an accident include the following:

  • Medical bills – Even if your injuries are minor, you need to go to the hospital. They’ll examine you and make sure you’re okay. They’ll also document your injuries so your Augusta car accident lawyer can prove that you were hurt. Remember – you’re entitled to medical bill and future medical bills. Your Augusta car accident lawyer will get documentation of any future care you’ll need.
  • Lost wages – If you miss more than a week or two from work, you may be entitled to lost wages. The same is true if you’re going to lose out on future earnings.
  • Pain and Suffering – If your injuries are serious, you may even be entitled to pain and suffering.

Your car accident lawyer in Georgia is going to work hard to get you the money you deserve.

Contact an Experienced Car Accident Attorney in Augusta, Georgia

If you’re a passenger in an accident, the last thing you should have to worry about is getting your medical bills covered. While you won’t suffer things like property damage, you may still experience thousands of dollars in medical bills. There’s no reason why you should have to pay or this out of pocket. If you weren’t driving, you are entitled to damages. And, even if the person you were with was responsible for the crash, you’ll still need to file an insurance claim.

If you’re lucky, your claim will be paid right away. The insurance company will get your statement and, within a week or two, your check will come in the mail. Other times, however, it doesn’t work out this way. If your claim is denied for any reason, you need to talk to an experienced car accident lawyer in Augusta. They will review your claim and determine whether or not you have a case. They’ll also answer any questions you may have. Call our law firm for car wrecks in Augusta and schedule your initial consultation. It is absolutely free and you won’t pay a thing until you settle or resolve your case.