If you were injured as a passenger in a car accident, follow along to learn how one of the proficient Howard County car accident attorneys at Lloyd J. Eisenberg & Associates can fight for the compensation you rightfully deserve.
What damages can I claim as a passenger in a car accident?
As a passenger in a car accident, you hold the same rights to claim damages as the driver. That is, you are eligible to hold the negligent party accountable and recover both economic and non-economic damages, such as the following:
- Economic damages:
- Current and future medical bills.
- Current and future lost wages.
- Medical equipment.
- Outside assistance.
- Non-economic damages:
- Emotional distress.
- Pain and suffering.
- Loss of independence.
If you are a friend or family member of the host driver, you may feel uncomfortable with filing a personal injury lawsuit if they were the at-fault party. However, a common misunderstanding is that your suing will directly impact their personal finances. Rather, you are actually suing their insurance company. So, regardless of your relationship, you should not hesitate in recovering damages if you are experiencing the following physical, emotional, and/or financial burdens:
- You are suffering long-term injuries.
- You are receiving major medical bills for your injuries, and expect to receive more for future treatments.
- You are experiencing lost wages due to your injuries for days, weeks, months, or even years.
- You are experiencing emotional distress or pain and suffering due to your injuries.
As a passenger, what steps should I follow for filing a personal injury claim?
First, before undergoing the personal injury claim process, you should first submit a claim to the negligent driver’s insurance company. Only when the insurer does not offer a justifiable settlement that covers all of your injuries should you look into filing a lawsuit.
With this personal injury case, you will need to satisfy the burden of proof that there is a direct correlation between your injuries and damages to the car accident. To do so, take the following approach:
- Call 911. Law enforcement officers will arrive to conduct a report and call medical attention.
- Once they are on the scene, seek medical treatment as immediately as possible.
- Collect the contact information of all parties involved. This includes their name, phone number, driver’s license number, and insurance company information. Do the same with present witnesses.
- Take photos and videos of the scene to document all injuries and other damages. Ask the same of present witnesses.
- Collect all medical documents, medical bills, and other expense receipts that are related to your injuries and damages.
- Retain the services of one of the talented Howard County auto accident attorneys.
Contact Our Howard County, Maryland Firm
If you or a family member has sustained serious injuries in an accident caused by another person’s negligence, contact Lloyd J. Eisenberg & Associates today.
