Passenger Rights After a Car Accident in Florida

If you were a passenger in a car accident and have suffered injury as a result, you may want to consider your legal options. Read on and reach out to our firm today to speak with a dedicated Hillsborough County auto accident lawyer.

Do I qualify for a personal injury claim as a passenger in a car accident?

Passengers who were injured in a car accident are qualified to retrieve the same economic and non-economic damages as the driver in a car accident. Economic damages affect current and future medical bills, lost wages, medical equipment, and outside assistance, and non-economic damages include emotional distress, pain and suffering, and loss of independence, among others.

Before filing a personal injury claim, your attorney will first submit a claim to the negligent party’s insurance company. If they are unwilling to negotiate a fair settlement that completely compensates for your injuries, then your attorney will go ahead with filing a personal injury claim.

If the claim is against the host driver, normally the main worry is that your relationship will suffer as a result, as they will likely be a friend, family member, or otherwise. However, it is critical to recognize that your claim is not directed at them, but instead, at their insurance company. So you are not hurting their personal finances in the process of fighting for compensation.

Basically, regardless of your relationship with the driver, or if you are a passenger in the crash, you should do what is in your best interest and file a claim if you are suffering from long-term injuries, facing heavy medical bills or lost wages, or otherwise facing significant physical, emotional, and financial burdens.

What steps should I take immediately after a car accident as a passenger?

To make sure that your personal injury claim is credible, you must fulfill the burden of proof. To do so, you should first call 911 directly after your accident. Law enforcement officers will come to the scene and conduct a report and call medical attention. You should then seek medical treatment right away. In the meantime, make sure that you collect the contact information from all parties involved. This includes their name, number, driver’s license information, and insurance company information. Also, take photos and videos of the scene to document all damages. If there are witnesses present, ask for their contact information. You will want to obtain any and all medical documents that are related to your injuries from the accident. Then, reach out to a qualified Riverview personal injury lawyer who can help you begin the claims process.

Contact Our Firm

For a skilled Tampa personal injury lawyer you can trust, contact The Frank Santini Law Firm today for a free initial consultation.