When you are involved in an accident, it can be incredibly overwhelming, especially if you are not the party driving. This is due to the fact that many injured passengers are unsure of their rights, which can lead to delays in their case. As such, if you are unsure of your legal options if you were hurt as a passenger during a collision, this blog explores what you should know about what compensation you can recover and the importance of connecting with a Monroe, Louisiana car accident lawyer to help you fight for the justice you deserve.
If I am a Passenger During an Accident, What Rights Do I Have?
Unfortunately, many people assume that only the drivers of the vehicles involved in an accident are eligible to fight for compensation for the damages they’ve sustained. However, this is far from the truth. In reality, you’ll find that any person who has sustained damage due to the negligent actions of another party is eligible to fight for compensation.
This means you have the right to seek both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages represent the actual financial losses you’ve endured as a result of the accident, like medical bills and lost wages, while non-economic damages represent emotional losses like pain and suffering or loss of enjoyment of life.
How Do I Pursue a Claim?
How you pursue your claim will vary based on the circumstances of the accident you are involved in. Generally, you’ll find that you’ll need to file a claim against the negligent party responsible for the collision. This can be the driver of the vehicle that you were in, the driver of the other car, a government agency if hazardous conditions were to blame, or a driver’s employer, if the negligent party was driving for work-related reasons. As such, you can file an accident passenger claim with the insurance of the at-fault party.
You should note, however, that often, insurance companies will drastically undervalue a claim filed against one of their customers. As such, they may value your damages at significantly less than their actual worth in the hopes that you don’t understand the value of your claim or you accept the first offer because you are struggling with medical bills.
As such, it’s important to ensure you can take the necessary steps to fight for the compensation you deserve for the negligent actions of another. That is why working with an attorney is in your best interest. An experienced lawyer can help negotiate the settlement with the at-fault party’s insurance to help you get the compensation you deserve. Additionally, should your injuries exceed the negligent party’s policy limits, your attorney can help you file a third-party claim to recover the funds you deserve.
At Breithautp, DuBos, & Wolleson, LLC, we understand how difficult these matters can be to navigate, which is why our firm is ready to guide you through every step of the process. When you need help, our dedicated team is ready to assist you. Contact us today to learn how we can fight for you.