A car accident is a scary situation to be in and we always hope that it will never happen to us. But did you know that there are over 6 million car accidents in the US each year?
It doesn't only damage the vehicle but can cause a lot of physical and emotional damage to those involved. If you're a passenger in a car accident, you may not know what to do next.
Here's everything you need to do if you're injured in a car accident as a passenger.
1. What to Do Right Away
In the immediate aftermath of a vehicle accident, there are a few things you need to do. First, check yourself and others for any injuries or concussions. If anyone's injured, call an ambulance.
Next, someone needs to call the police. This is so you can file a report for your insurance. Then, make a note of everything you can remember about the crash. If your driver can't do it, get the details of the other driver too.
Don't mention any injuries to the other driver or give any information to insurance. This is something you need to discuss with a lawyer before anyone else.
2. Who is at Fault?
The next step is to figure out who is at fault for the crash. If the crash caused you injury, you can claim for compensation against the driver at fault.
Whether it was the driver of the other car or your own driver, you can claim against them. Determining fault isn't always easy and the insurance companies will conduct an investigation.
They do this by talking to involved parties, witnesses and reviewing police reports. Once they know who's at fault, you will know who to claim against.
3. Claim Against the Driver
If your driver is at fault, you can claim against their insurance for compensation. This compensation can cover your medical bills, lose wages and any suffering incurred.
If you're related to your driver, there may be complications. Some insurance policies don't pay out in this instance since the claim may cover the driver too.
If the other driver is at fault, then you can claim against their insurance. In fact, you can make a claim even if your driver is more at fault since they're still liable for the crash. But there is a limit to how much you can claim from them.
4. Claim Against Your Insurance
You could also claim against your own car insurance to cover your medical expenses. You don't need to be at fault for the crash to make a successful claim.
The compensation you may receive might not be as large as claiming against the driver at fault. It's unlikely that they will cover suffering or loss of wages, it will only cover medical costs.
If you collect from your own insurance and then receive a payout from the driver, it may impact it. The amount of money received from your insurance could be deducted from the second claim.
5. Lawyer Up
The best thing to do if you're injured in a car accident is to get a lawyer as soon as possible. Don't discuss the details of your injury or the accident with anyone else until you have a lawyer.
A good lawyer will guide you through the whole process and help you make the right claims. They will also help you claim for the right amount and make the process as stress-free as possible.
Now You Know What to Do as a Passenger in a Car Accident
When you're a passenger in a car accident, it can be a very scary situation. But when you know how to handle it all, it can make things much easier. These tips will help get through it you if you're ever in that situation.
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