If the passenger in a car is injured in an accident due to the driver of the vehicle, they have the right to submit a claim against the driver for injuries and damages sustained in the accident. Any medical bills, lost wages, or any other types of damages can be sought if the at-fault driver has enough coverage on their auto insurance policy.
Someone who is operating a vehicle is obligated to drive safely. It goes without saying that they need to prevent hitting other vehicles in an accident, but they also need to prevent injuries to their passengers. In personal injury law, the term “duty of due care” applies. When the driver of the vehicle is not careful and causes injuries to his or her passengers, they can be held accountable for any damages.
If the auto accident caused by the driver kills the passenger in their car, the passenger’s beneficiaries can submit a claim for damages against the driver. If they do file a claim, they need to be financially dependent in some way.
Passengers Injured in an Accident Can Hold Others Accountable
When passengers in an auto accident have injuries and are not at fault, they have the right to not only seek financial compensation from the driver, but other parties responsible for their injuries in the accident.
For passengers, damages and injuries are not always apparent right after the accident. In many cases, passengers may not think they have any injuries at the scene of the accident and since they feel no pain, they sigh in relief that they came out of the accident unscathed. However, within a week the passenger can wake up with intense pain and soreness. It is common for injuries to show up a few days after the accident.
This is why it is important to seek medical attention immediately after an accident. When you file a personal injury claim, your medical records are your best source of evidence. Documenting everything after the accident is the most important step. It is also important to hire an experienced personal injury lawyer who has skills necessary to represent them in their auto accident case.
If you are in Philadelphia and have been injured in an accident, call a Personal Injury Attorney at The Heslin Law Firm. You can call our office at 215-332-0300 for a free consultation.