Statistically speaking, you can expect to get in a car accident about once every 17 years. Of course, car accidents are scary enough when you’re the one behind the wheel—but when you’re the passenger, it can feel even worse.
Having no control to prevent the accident itself can be stressful, but your lack of control won’t keep you from the resulting injuries.
Because you’re an injured party with no control over the circumstances, you know you should expect compensation. But how do you get it? If you’re not sure where to turn, here’s what to do if you’re injured in a car accident.
File a Claim With the Other Driver’s Insurer
When the other driver appears to be at fault, you can file a claim through the other driver’s insurance. In most states, drivers must have body injury liability in addition to property damage liability, meaning that their insurer may pay your expenses.
However, there are a few drawbacks. First, the driver’s insurance limits may not cover all of your expenses, depending on the extent of your car accident injury and whether other passengers were involved. In addition, you may need to prove that the other driver is at fault to receive compensation—which can be difficult to do in many cases.
File a Claim Through Your Driver’s Policy
If you prefer, you can get a payout through your driver’s policy instead. In many states with personal injury protection or Medical Payments (MedPay) insurance, your driver can file a claim to receive compensation for medical expenses. This is true regardless of which driver was at fault, and it’s often your best option.
However, certain states don’t require this type of coverage, meaning you would be required to draw on their body injury liability coverage instead. This can be uncomfortable with friends and family members, even if you’re technically seeking payment from their insurance company, not them.
File a Claim Through Your Insurance Policy
If you have insurance coverage, especially if that includes personal injury protection or MedPay, you can also choose to file through your own policy. This, of course, can cause your rates to go up, but in the face of mounting medical bills, that may be the least of your worries.
Work With a Car Accident Injury Attorney
The aftermath of an accident can be complex, even without worrying about which claim to file. If you have trouble deciding which option is best, you may want to reach out to a car accident injury lawyer for advice.
These professionals can help you decide where to file a claim, depending on the specifics of the accident, and they may even advise you to pursue more than one claim to cover extensive injuries. In addition, no matter what you decide, they can help you through the settlement process and even a court case if you need further help getting the money you deserve. If you need expert help, click here for more info.
Know What to Do If Injured in a Car Accident
If you’ve been injured in a car accident, it’s critical to know how to get fair compensation for an incident that wasn’t your fault. As a passenger, you may not be clear on your legal rights, so it’s always a good idea to do your research and seek expert advice. With a little planning and paperwork, you’ll be able to get the money you deserve to start on the road to recovery.
Want more of the critical legal tips you need? Check out our other posts for additional insights.