Injured in an Auto Accident as a Passenger

When you get in a car with someone, you are trusting them with your personal safety. In an auto accident, passengers are just as susceptible to injuries as the drivers themselves. However, many passengers aren’t aware that they could be entitled to compensation for their injuries after an accident. Suffering an injury as a passenger in a car accident can be a confusing experience. You may be wondering whose insurance company is going to cover your medical bills or worrying about taking legal action against your friend or family member who was driving.

In Pennsylvania, car insurance is mandatory. Every vehicle is required to be insured to at least the minimum amounts of coverage while it is on the road.

Types of Insurance Coverage for Injured Passengers

Injured passengers in Pennsylvania have the ability to be compensated for their injuries arising from car accidents, and the at-fault driver’s policy will be responsible for payment. However, your own insurance policy will have an effect on how claims areevaluated and ultimately resolved. There are important distinctions within your car insurance policy that you chose that will have an effect on what compensation you can receive if you are injured in an auto accident. When you purchase your insurance, you must have at least the minimum amount of liability insurance and you must select one of two tort coverage options, Limited or Full Tort. There are also options that are not required but will offer you more protection.

• Limited Tort Liability: If you chose this option on your car insurance, you can take legal action for all economic losses, such as medical expenses and lost wages, resulting from a car accident. However, this option limits your ability to recover for other damages such as pain and suffering. There are some exceptions to this general rule, such as a drunk driver being at fault in the accident.
• Full Tort Liability: If you chose this option on your car insurance, you have the ability to bring legal action and recover for all damages you suffer, including economic losses and pain and suffering. This option is generally going to have a higher premium price, but it is the recommended option to provide the best protection for you and your household.
• Uninsured Motorist Coverage (UM): This option is not required, but if chosen offers protection when the at-fault driver has no car insurance to pay for your injuries. Car insurance is required in Pennsylvania, but that doesn’t mean that all drivers will abide by the law.
• Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UIM): This option is also not required but it assists you in recovering the amount needed to cover your injuries where the at-fault driver is underinsured.

Every accident is a unique situation and there are several factors that determine what party is responsible after a car accident. It’s best to have a personal injury attorney on your side to understand what steps you should take to get compensated.

Types of Injuries a Passenger may Suffer Head and Brain injuries

• Neck Injuries
• Back Injuries
• Broken bones
• Spinal Injuries
• Scarring
• Paralysis

What to do if You’re a Passenger in an Auto Accident?

If you are involved in a car accident as a passenger and suffer personal injuries it is best to contact a personal injury attorney as soon as possible. You may be unable to work, struggle to pay your rising medical bills, and be in serious pain. It is best to have a personal injury attorney that is experienced and knowledgeable in dealing with car accidents. If you are injured in a car accident you want attorneys on your side that are going to fight to get the compensation you deserve.

Having an experienced lawyer such as the personal injury attorneys from O’Connor Law will let the insurance company know that you won’t be bullied into settling for less than you deserve. If you want someone on your side that will fight for what you deserve, email or call the personal injury attorneys at O’Connor Law.