Personal Injury Blog

How is the Passenger in a Car Accident Compensated?

Being involved in a car accident is terrifying regardless of where in the car you are sitting. Frequently, personal injury claims are filed by the person who is driving the car that was involved in an accident. That said, the passengers of the car might also be entitled to compensation for damages that were caused by the accident. If you were riding in a car that was involved in an accident and suffered injuries, it is advisable to speak with an experienced New Jersey personal injury lawyer right away.

Compensation for the Passenger of a Car Accident

As a passenger in a car that was involved in a serious accident, you have rights as well, and it is important to understand your options. New Jersey is a “no-fault” state, meaning that regardless of who was liable for the accident, you will work with your own insurance company to claim reimbursement for the cost of your medical care, lost wages, and other damages. While your insurance is a starting point, you might also be able to file a personal injury claim against the driver who is liable for the accident. Your attorney can help you navigate through the insurance claims process and will fight for your right for just compensation in the event of an accident.

Which Driver is Liable for My Injuries?

The number of vehicles involved in the accident can help to determine which driver was liable for your injuries. For example:

  • Single driver accidents – When you are driving with someone who collides with an object like a tree, road barrier, curb, or another car that is parked, this is considered a single-car accident. Often a single-car accident occurs when the driver is distracted or impaired. In this case, you could speak with an attorney about a personal injury claim against the driver of the car you were riding in.
  • Multiple driver accidents – When there are multiple cars involved in an accident, the first step will be to determine which driver is at-fault for causing the accident. This is often accomplished through an accident report, official police report, and by the research that your attorney conducts. Liability is sometimes straight forward, like in the instance in which one driver ran a red light and collided with another driver who was following the rules of the road. Other times, it is not as obvious which party is liable. Once liability has been determined, you can proceed with a personal injury claim against the liable party.

Involved in a Car Accident? Talk to a Skilled New Jersey Car Accident Lawyer Right Away!

Those who have been involved in a car accident understand the difficulties that a serious injury can bring. When you have been injured in a car accident and believe that another party is at-fault for your injury, it is advisable to speak with an experienced New Jersey car accident attorney right away. At Leonard Legal Group, we are dedicated to helping our clients who have been involved in a car accident and will fight for your rights to just compensation. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help.