Ask The Experts – Passenger Rights In A Car Accident
Being involved in an accident is a scary thought. As a driver, there are a million things to worry about, but as a passenger, it could be even more frightening. There is a reason the passenger seat is considered one of the most dangerous spots in a vehicle, but it’s also a passenger that leaves a lot of questions after an accident. You could very easily be the most injured person in the crash, but what exactly can you do about it? In the Orlando area Payer Law, the auto accident attorney Orlando, is here to help you understand your passenger rights.
Passenger Rights No Matter Who’s At Fault
When you are a passenger in a car safe driving is no longer in your hands. You need to trust whoever’s car you’re in at the time, but what happens if things go wrong, whether it’s because of the person you’re with, or someone hits them. What are your rights? Are you responsible for anything? Will you get compensated if you’re hurt? All of these questions come swirling into a passenger’s head at the time of an accident. Being a passenger you may think nothing falls on you and that you’re responsible for nothing, but this may not always be the case. For example, if you’re in a state that requires passengers to wear a seatbelt and you aren’t at the time of the crash, you could be left responsible.
If you are in a state that is an “at-fault” state, which means the person who caused the accident is to blame, then the passenger would be covered by the driver of the vehicle that is responsible. However, some states follow the “50% bar rule”, which states that if the accident is determined to be 50% or more your fault than you cannot go after the other driver’s insurance. This could be troublesome for passengers because it may mean going after a friend or family members insurance if necessary. Most people will shy away from putting in a claim if it’s the insurance of someone they know, but this shouldn’t deter you. This is why people have insurance and a friend’s, or family member’s insurance would cover the claim, not them personally. Regardless of the type of accident that occurs, head-on, rear-end, or a driver being distracted, if you have expenses from missed wages, medical bills, or medications you should receive 100% coverage.
Anytime you’re involved in an accident the first concern that comes into your mind is “What if the person doesn’t have insurance?” This is where things tend to get a little hectic and messy. If you are a passenger in the car that is not at fault in a crash, but the other driver doesn’t have insurance, then you will be covered by the person’s insurance of the car you’re in. On the other hand, if you’re in a car with a person who doesn’t have insurance and they are at fault for the accident than the other person’s insurance will not cover your expenses. If you find yourself in this situation than you would have to go to your insurance, which may seem odd since you weren’t the driver, but some insurance companies will cover medical expenses from a car accident even if you’re not the driver.
Being involved in an accident is a scary thought, especially when you don’t have any control over what the car is doing. Having a law group to help you understand your rights and what the best action to take after an accident is helps a lot, but if you’re not in the area to get help from the auto accident attorney Orlando than you need to do some research to find a reputable lawyer in your area.
Contact Us
The Payer Law is a firm in the Orlando area helping clients with their passenger rights cases. Due to our reputation for making sure our clients receive the appropriate settlements we’re known as the auto accident attorney Orlando. Call or visit us today to get a free consultation and find out how we can help you!
