If you were the passenger in a car accident, you might not realize that you have the right to seek damages even if the driver of the car you were in made a mistake. Even if you were in the car considered at fault for an accident, you have the right to sue for emotional and physical damages. If you were injured as a passenger, you need your own personal injury attorney.

Passengers often feel forgotten in car accident lawsuits, especially when they are unsure if their own coverage will take care of their bills. This article seeks to clear up this confusion.

Common Injuries for Passengers

In some cases, the passengers in vehicles are more likely to experience different injuries than the drivers. For example, being T-boned means the passenger may sustain more intense injuries than the driver depending on where the other vehicle hit.

Concussions and traumatic brain injuries may occur in passengers involved in vehicle accidents. Children are especially prone to these injuries, though adults can also experience extreme trauma.

Back injuries are also common for passengers in car accidents. These injuries can range from minor to extreme, prompting long-lasting pain and the inability to return to work. These injuries may even require intensive surgery.

Whiplash is a serious concern for accident victims too. Whiplash is a sudden movement of the head and neck, sometimes prompting intense pain that lasts for days, weeks, or months.

No matter your medical injury, you have the right to sue for the costs of medical bills and loss of income if you have to take some time off for recovery. If you suffer injuries that will impact you for the rest of your life, you may receive compensations for disability too.

Suing for Damages as a Passenger

Passengers can sue for the same damages as vehicle operators and pedestrians. These damages include pain and suffering, medical expenses, and disability.

As a passenger in a car accident - in contrast to being a driver - you do not have to worry about proving liability. The passenger is not considered at fault for an accident.

If no other car was involved in the accident, for example if the car hit a tree, the driver's insurance is responsible for handling your medical bills and any property damage.

The first thing you might do after an accident is sue the other driver's insurance company. Drivers are legally obliged to carry a minimum amount of insurance to cover things like injuries to passengers. Unfortunately, this amount may not cover the entirety of your injuries and property damage, especially if many people were injured in the accident.

Next, you may need to go through the insurance of the driver of the car you were in. First-party benefits should cover these expenses, though some insurance companies will fight back. Unfortunately, some insurance companies do not offer this coverage, and it's usually on a state-by-state basis. Additionally, you may not be able to pursue damages through an insurance provider if you are related to the driver.

Sometimes uninsured drivers cause accidents with severe injuries. If you have uninsured motorist coverage, you may be able to work through your own insurance to receive compensation for your injuries.

Ultimately, you may have your damages covered by multiple insurance companies depending on the circumstances.

For many of these steps, you need a personal injury attorney you can rely on. The Law Offices of Burton J. Hass understands your need for an attorney as an injured passenger in a vehicle. Call today to set up a consultation with an attorney who understands your rights and goals.