As a passenger with injuries, you may file a car accident claim through the driver’s insurance or a third party’s insurer. You can also sue anyone whose negligence contributed to the accident.
A car accident lawyer will explain the steps to take after the accident. They will provide advice specific to your unique circumstances. If you elect, a lawyer can even pursue the compensation you deserve for injuries and other damages.
Request A Free Consultation Today!
No single blueprint will lay out how a passenger in a car accident should file a claim. There are merely too many differences between each action to give catch-all advice.
Some of the factors that will determine how you pursue compensation as an injured passenger are:
Each state handles car accident insurance claims differently. To understand your options for seeking compensation, you must understand the insurance rules in the state where the accident happened.
States fall into one of two primary categories:
There are variations of each of these categories. Your lawyer will explain all relevant insurance rules in your state, as these rules may affect how you file a car accident claim.
Every motorist chooses their insurance coverage, and some motorists choose (illegally) to drive without insurance. The details of liable parties’ insurance policies will affect how a passenger pursues compensation.
For example, assume that:
These are just two examples of how insurance-specific factors can influence your approach to seeking compensation.
Whether you file a lawsuit will boil down to a few straightforward questions:
If the amount of insurance coverage you receive covers your accident-related losses, you may not have to file a lawsuit. Therefore, the total value of your insurance coverage will determine your post-accident legal strategy.
Injuries are a key focus when calculating the cost of a car accident. The more significant your injuries are, the more expensive your damages.
Therefore, as you determine how to seek compensation as the passenger in a car accident, you must consider:
Your lawyer will work with medical professionals to evaluate your injuries and care needs.
Your lawyer will answer one critical question: How much does my client’s accident-related damages cost?
Your lawyer will:
The total cost of your losses will be vital to your lawyer’s legal strategy. If the best offer from a liable insurer does not cover your total losses, your attorney may proceed with a lawsuit.
Many passengers injured during car accidents ultimately resort to lawsuits.
Your case may go to court because of:
Your lawyer may initially file an insurance claim on your behalf and will negotiate tirelessly to secure the best possible settlement offer. However, if it becomes apparent that an insurance settlement will not provide the money you deserve, your lawyer may encourage you to pursue a lawsuit.
A lawyer’s ability to file and complete a lawsuit is one of their greatest benefits to you. An insurer who knows a lawyer will take a case to court may choose to settle, knowing that a trial can lead to an unfavorable outcome for the insurer.
Whether your case ends with an insurance settlement or proceeds to court, a lawyer can be a priceless asset to you.
Passengers hire a car accident lawyer because of:
Car accident victims experience more than enough stress when involved in a collision. Claims and lawsuits can be immensely stressful and may be more than you can take on right now. Your health and case for compensation may benefit from your decision to hire a lawyer.
Before hiring a lawyer, know what to expect from them. Your attorney will:
Car accident lawyers take complete command over their client’s fight for financial recovery.
Therefore, expect your lawyer to:
Your physical recovery should come first right now. With a lawyer leading your case, you won’t have to worry about a single detail of your claim or lawsuit.
You are seeking compensation because your accident has caused you harm, and your lawyer will pursue compensation reflecting that harm.
An attorney may document your accident-related damages using:
Your lawyer will present this documentation as they negotiate with liable insurers. If your case goes to court, your lawyer will present the documentation to the judge and jury.
Fault is a key consideration when a passenger suffers injuries. Your lawyer will determine who owes you compensation.
As your lawyer investigates your car accident, they will obtain witness accounts, video footage, and other evidence indicating fault.
An insurer is likely responsible for your accident-related damages.
Your lawyer will negotiate with liable insurers, overcoming specific challenges like:
Insurance companies sometimes refuse to pay claimants fairly, which is the most financially beneficial decision for the corporation. However, your lawyer will hold insurers to the policies they’ve issued—policies that may entitle you to compensation.
Most car accident cases settle, and yours may too. However, a law firm must always be willing to proceed to trial on their client’s behalf. If a law firm will not take your case to trial, it may not negotiate from a position of strength.
Many injury firms have proven their willingness to go to trial. As you research attorneys who may lead your car accident case, review their case results and ask directly: Will you take my case to trial if it is the right decision for me?
The cost of each car accident victim’s damages can vary drastically. The severity of your injuries will be one of several factors determining your claim’s value.
Your lawyer will complete a personalized evaluation of your accident-related losses and may seek compensation for:
An attorney will speak with you, medical professionals, and other experts to diagnose and value your damages.
When looking for a lawyer, find a team that:
Choosing the right lawyer can lead to victory in your case.
There is no immediate or out-of-pocket cost for you to hire a lawyer. Therefore, there is no reason to wait any longer to retain an attorney. Your lawyer may have a limited time to file your case and gather evidence, and time is of the essence in your case. Act immediately to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney near you and discuss possible representation of your car accident claim.
Free Consultation
We Are Here For You 24/7
“Really pleased with Boohoff Law! Received immediate responses when I had any questions. Treated amazingly by all staff … made this process a true breeze!”
The information on this website is for general information purposes only. Nothing on this site should be taken as legal advice for any individual case or situation. This information is not intended to create, and receipt or viewing does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship.
available 24/7
(877) 999-9999