Being an injured passenger in a car accident can come with life-altering implications, depending on the extent of your injuries. Because the car accident was in no way your fault, you need to understand the rights of car accident passengers in Washington and whether or not you can claim compensation.
If you have been an injured passenger in a car accident in the state of Washington, you need to hire an auto accident attorney. At Henderson Taylor Law Firm, our team of auto accident lawyers has handled hundreds of car accident cases in the state of Washington, including navigating insurance claims for passengers.
Keep reading to find out who pays for passenger injuries and why legal help for injured passengers is essential for getting a fair settlement.
What Are Your Rights as a Passenger in a Car Accident?
If you were an injured passenger in a car accident, the good news is that you have certain rights in the state of Washington. Rights are available for car passengers as they also have a high likelihood of being injured in a collision and usually hold no responsibility for the accident.
Here are some of the rights you have as a passenger:
- You are free from blame as a passenger, which will strengthen your claim.
- You have the right to compensation when it comes to past and future medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost income, etc.
- You have the right to file a claim against multiple insurers, depending on the situation.
- You have the right to file a personal injury lawsuit if you don’t receive a fair insurance settlement.
Even though these rights offer you a degree of protection as an injured passenger in a car accident, you still need to hire a car accident attorney. Filing a passenger injury lawsuit in Washington can be challenging, and having legal representation will ensure your rights are upheld throughout the process.
When it comes to car collisions, passengers can often be overlooked, which is why it is important to act quickly to protect your rights, especially if you have been injured.
Who Can Be Held Liable For Injuries to Passengers?
Just like any other type of car accident claim, you need to determine who is liable, as this is the person or entity you will file your claim against. As a passenger, there are several parties that could be held liable depending on the situation:
- The driver of the vehicle you were in: The driver may be liable due to negligence if they were speeding, driving recklessly, or driving under the influence.
- Other drivers: The other driver of the vehicle that was in the collision may be at fault if their actions led to the accident.
- Other entities: Although uncommon, there are rare instances where third parties may be liable. This could include vehicle manufacturers for defective parts or a government entity for poor road conditions that may have led to the collision.
Filing a Claim as a Passenger in Washington
If you were injured as a passenger in a car accident, there are several ways you can go about filing a claim. This is often dictated by who was liable for the accident or whether or not you have your own personal injury protection coverage.
If you have personal injury protection coverage, this will be able to cover your medical bills no matter who was at fault for the collision. This is usually coverage provided through your own auto policy that will apply even if you weren’t the driver.
On the other hand, you also have the option of filing a claim against the at-fault driver through their insurance provider. Because of Washington’s at-fault system, the at-fault driver’s insurer will be required to cover damages, even if you were the passenger.
If none of these legal avenues provide you with the settlement you need, you can also pursue a lawsuit. A personal injury lawsuit can help you attain a much larger settlement to cover more extensive medical bills, especially if your injuries have led to a disability.
Damages You Can Receive as a Passenger
Even if you were not directly involved in the car accident due to being a passenger, you still have the right to receive different types of damages. These damages can help you make a full recovery depending on how extensive your injuries are and how they have impacted your life.
Here are the different types of damages you can receive as a passenger depending on the circumstances:
- Medical expenses
- Long-term medical treatment
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Disability
- Lost wages
Keep in mind that gathering documentation is important when you pursue damages, especially when it comes to proving the extent of your injuries and who was at fault.
Hire an Experienced Car Accident Attorney at Henderson Taylor Law Firm
Being in a car accident involving friends and family can create a much more complicated scenario. However, if you are a passenger and you were injured, you still need to take the steps necessary to get the compensation you need to help you make a full recovery.
At Henderson Taylor Law Firm, our car accident lawyers are committed to defending the downtrodden and helping our Washington clients get the most desirable outcome for their car accident claims. For expert legal or representation from one of our attorneys, contact us today at 360-737-1478 or fill out our online form.
FAQ:
Can I file a claim as a passenger in a car accident?
Yes, as a passenger in a vehicle that was involved in a collision, one of your rights is the right to pursue compensation for any damages as a result of the accident.
Who pays for my medical bills if I was a passenger?
This will depend on who you are filing your claim against and who was at fault for the collision. You may be able to use your own PIP coverage, or you can file a claim against the at-fault driver, in which case, their insurer will cover medical bills and other damages.
What if the at-fault driver is someone I know?
Whether or not the at-fault driver is someone you know will not negatively impact your right to compensation. You must remember that you are not suing them directly but rather their insurance provider, which has a legal obligation to pay for damages.
