What Happens If I Was Injured as a Passenger in a Car Accident?

If you were injured as a passenger in a car accident, you have the same right to seek compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages, just as you would if you were a driver injured in the accident.

Legal Options If You Were Injured as a Passenger

Oklahoma is an at-fault state for car accidents, so the party at fault for the accident is responsible for paying or the damages they cause. As such, you will most likely want to file a claim with the insurance company for the party you believe was responsible for causing the accident. Possible legal options may include:

Filing a Claim with Your Driver’s Insurance Policy

The driver of the vehicle in which you were a passenger could have acted negligently in causing the accident, such as:

• Speeding
• Distracted driving
• Running a red light or stop sign
• Making an unsafe lane change
• Following too closely
• Drinking and driving

You could file a claim with their insurance to cover your bills.

Filing a Claim with the Other Driver’s Insurance Policy

In many accidents, more than one driver’s negligence contributes. If the other driver was partially or completely at fault for the accident, you could file a claim against them. Also, filing multiple insurance claims increases your chances of recovering enough compensation for your injuries.

Bodily injury liability coverage pays for medical expenses and other expenses related to the physical injuries caused by an accident. Property damage liability coverage pays for the damage to personal property in the accident, such as to pay to fix the car the insured damaged or for property inside the vehicle, such as your phone or laptop.

Filing a Claim with Your Insurance 

You may have insurance that covers you in case of an auto accident. For example, you could have personal injury protection or medical payments coverage that covers your medical expenses and/or lost wages. You could also use your own health insurance to pay for expenses.

However, if you file a claim with your own insurance, your insurance company may use the subrogation process to seek reimbursement for the amounts it paid for you from the at-fault driver’s insurance policy. Your health insurer could also impose a medical lien on your recovery.

What to Do After an Accident That Injures You

Take these steps if you are involved in a car accident as a passenger:

• Make sure the car accident is reported. If the drivers didn’t report it, you should.
• Ask all drivers for their contact information and insurance details.
• Seek medical attention immediately so your injuries can be diagnosed.
• Request a copy of the accident report once it is prepared.
• Ask any witnesses for their contact information.
• Speak to a car accident lawyer.

Contact an Experienced Attorney for Help with Your Car Accident Claim

If you were injured in an accident that wasn’t your fault, you shouldn’t have to pay the consequences. An experienced car accident lawyer from Oklahoma Injury Law Firm can investigate your case, identify your legal options, and help you pursue recovery. Call us today for a free consultation.