Passenger Rights in a Car Accident
The conversation of what should be done after a crash often centers around the drivers involved. Passengers can go overlooked but equally deserve to know their rights. It’s important to understand that any passenger involved in a crash is entitled to compensation for the injuries in the same manner as the driver. Here’s what you need to know.
What Compensation Can Be Awarded to a Passenger?
A few key things must be taken into account when considering what type of compensation might be available to a passenger. For starters, the passenger needs to have an understanding of what caused the crash—whether it was another driver, their driver, a defective part, etc.
In most cases, the driver’s insurance should cover the injuries of any passengers involved. Whether it was the passenger’s driver or another found at fault, their injuries should be covered if the driver is insured. For cases involving product defects or malfunctions, they may be able to pursue a claim against the manufacturer.
What Injuries Can Be Compensated?
In order to recover compensation after a crash, an injured passenger will need to show that the injuries caused by the crash resulted in some sort of financial loss. These financial losses can come in a variety of forms, including:
- Medical bills: This includes both the cost of any emergency treatment immediately following the crash, as well as the expected costs of any ongoing care that may be required due to the injuries.
- Lost wages: If the passenger cannot work due to their injuries, they may be able to recover compensation for the wages they would have earned during that time.
- Pain and suffering: In some cases, an injured passenger may also be able to recover compensation for the physical pain and emotional trauma caused by the crash and their resulting injuries.
Waco Car Accident Attorneys
When you or your loved one has been injured in a crash, don’t hesitate to seek help. Our Law Offices Of Vic Feazell, P.C. attorneys can help them throughout the claims process from start to finish. Schedule a consultation with our team by calling (254) 938-6885 to discuss your options.