What are Your Rights as a Passenger Injured in a Car Accident?
Many articles focus on drivers seeking compensation from other drivers for crash-related injuries. What if you’re a passenger injured in a car accident? What are your rights then?
At Wyndham Law Firm, our car accident attorney understands that injured passengers have rights, too, and we fight for the compensation you deserve from liable parties. Contact us today to discuss your case for free and let us provide you with the support and guidance you need.
Understanding Your Rights
As a passenger injured in a car accident, you have rights that protect your interests, just like drivers. Under personal injury law, when someone else causes your injuries, they should be liable for your losses. As a passenger, another driver (or third party) will always be responsible for causing your collision, outside very rare circumstances. This means another party should be liable for your losses.
Determining Liability
As a passenger, determining liability is necessary to seek compensation for your injuries. There are different potential parties that may be responsible for the accident, depending on what happened.
The first party that may be liable is the driver of the car you were in. If the driver was at fault for the accident, you will file a claim against their insurance to cover your medical expenses and other damages. While filing a claim against someone you know personally might seem like a sensitive matter, remember that seeking compensation is not a personal attack, but rather a way to recover your losses and receive the support you need.
Another potential party that may be responsible is the driver of another vehicle involved in the accident. If their negligence or reckless behavior caused the accident, you can file a claim against their insurance company.
In some cases, a company or government entity may be liable for the accident. This includes employers, who can be held responsible for their employee-driver’s actions under a legal principle called “respondeat superior.” If the employee was acting within the scope of their employment at the time of the accident, you may be able to seek compensation from their employer’s insurance policy.
Determining liability in a car accident can be surprisingly complicated, which is why it’s important to seek the advice and representation of an experienced Charleston car accident lawyer.
Even if you are filing a claim against someone you know well, keep in mind you will be dealing with their insurance company - not the driver directly. The insurer can be just as difficult to deal with as any other, so having an attorney is simply a wise move and should not be a personal affront to the driver.
Consult a Trusted Charleston Car Accident Attorney
If you are a passenger injured in a car accident in Charleston, SC, Wyndham Law Firm is ready to help. Our car accident attorneys understand passenger injury cases and will fight to protect your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.
Contact us today online to schedule a free consultation. Don’t wait to seek legal advice and take action to protect your rights as a passenger injured in a car accident. Trust in the knowledge, experience, and dedication of the attorneys at Wyndham Law Firm.