PASSENGERS IN CAR ACCIDENTS NEED TO UNDERSTAND THE LAW AND THE COMPENSATION THEY MAY BE ENTITILED TO

In Florida, there are laws that protect passengers of vehicles. When a passenger is injured in a car accident where the driver in the same vehicle was negligent, the passenger is able to recover compensation for injuries from the accident. If the accident was caused by the other vehicle, then the passenger is able to sue that driver for compensation.

WHEN IT’S THE OTHER DRIVER’S FAULT 

When two cars get in an accident that involves injuries, it is common to see the victim sue the negligent party and seek compensation for pain and suffering. Something that is not talked about as often is the passenger’s ability to sue if they were injured in the accident. Like the driver in the same vehicle, the victim was injured in a car accident due to another person’s negligence.

WHEN IT’S THE FAULT OF THE PERSON THAT IS DRIVING YOU (AND WHY IT’S OK TO SEEK COMPENSATION)

When a driver is negligent and causes a car accident, it is common for any passengers of the vehicle to hesitate suing – even if there are injuries involved. This is usually due to a relationship the passenger and driver may have. They could be dating, family, friends or coworkers. Just the thought of suing someone you know can make anyone feel uncomfortable. Besides, aren’t they going through enough already with the accident they just had and possible lawsuits from other vehicles involved?

The answer to the question is yes! What is important to remember though is that they have insurance and the money that you need for your injuries is not physically coming out of his or her pocket. One of the reasons we pay to have insurance is for situations like this. Car accidents happen. When they do, insurance is there so we do not lose our entire life savings paying for people’s injuries that were unfortunately caused by what may have been five seconds of negligence committed by a driver.

In some cases a driver might ask the passenger to not file a claim in fear that their insurance premiums might increase. This is true with some companies, but there are many cases where insurance companies may offer accident forgiveness programs that make it easy to bounce back and be a safe driver again for premiums.

What might not be so quick and easy to bounce back from are injuries you may have suffered like disk herniation that may never heal or other injuries to the head, neck or spine.

TALK TO A LAWYER BEFORE YOU MAKE A DECISION

If you are still hesitant about this, then contact our Fort Lauderdale Injury Firm and let us know what happened. Tell us your details and concerns and we will give you your options so you can make a confident decision on moving forward or just letting it go.