If You are Were Injured as a Passenger, You Can Sue the Driver for Damages
Not all collisions involve two vehicles. In fact, just over half of collisions are single-vehicle crashes, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. But just because only one vehicle was involved does not mean there are not multiple injured parties; injured passengers have the right to pursue compensation from the driver when they cause a single-vehicle crash. Moreover, passenger victims in multi-vehicle car crashes also have the right to file a claim against the driver of another vehicle, or the driver of the vehicle that they, the passenger, were riding in. If you were a passenger in a car crash, you deserve fair compensation for your injuries, whether they were caused by an acquaintance, non household family member, friend, or a complete stranger.
Compensation for Passenger Injuries
As a passenger, you can be compensated for all of the normal damages that are generally sustained from a traffic collision. These damages include the following:
- Medical expenses;
- Lost wages;
- Lost earning ability;
- Emotional distress;
- Permanent scarring or disfigurement;
- Loss of joy of life
- Pain and suffering; and
- Property damage, including (potentially) the vehicle if you were the owner;
When the Driver of the Vehicle is a Household Member or Spouse
Things become more complicated if the driver was your spouse or someone who is considered part of your household, such as a child or parent with whom you live. Generally, you cannot file a claim against their insurance policy. Moreover, if the vehicle is jointly owned, you cannot file a claim against the driver.
What if the Driver Was a Friend or Acquaintance?
Whether the driver of the car you were in, who caused the crash, is a friend, roommate, acquaintance, family member you do not live with, ex-spouse, or any other person who does not jointly own the vehicle with you or is not a legal member of your household, you can file a claim against them for compensation.
What if Multiple Parties are At Fault?
In many cases, more than one driver is at fault for causing a crash. Both parties—the driver of the car you were in, as well as the driver of another vehicle—can be sued for compensation. This increases the likelihood that you will be fully compensated, as there are multiple insurance policies involved.
Contact an Orlando Personal Injury Attorney At Once
While filing a personal injury claim against your friend, coworker, boss, acquaintance, business partner, or extended family member may sound harsh, it is something you must seriously consider. The average stay in a hospital in the U.S. is $10,700, according to Business Insider, and that is just the tip of the iceberg for a serious personal injury claim. We understand that you may have reservations about harming your relationship with the driver, but you must look after your own physical, emotional, and financial well being first and foremost. Call the Orlando personal injury lawyers at the Payer Law today at 407-307-2979 to schedule a free consultation.
Resource:
iihs.org/topics/fatality-statistics/detail/state-by-state
businessinsider.com/most-expensive-health-conditions-hospital-costs-2018-2
https://www.payerlawgroup.com/overuse-injuries-and-workers-compensation/
