Being in the driver’s seat during a car wreck is one thing, but what if you’re in an accident as a passenger? Friends, neighbors, and even family members share rides all the time. If the driver were to wreck the car, it’s not uncommon for all onboard passengers to sustain injuries.
Assuming that you and the driver are both individually insured adults, you may be surprised to learn that the subsequent process is not much different from a typical car accident. Let’s dive in and take a closer look at the steps you should take as an injured passenger after a car wreck.
1. Contact the Authorities. Begin by calling 911 to summon the authorities. Once the police have arrived on the scene, begin filing a full report of the accident and the events leading up to it.
2. Receive a Medical Evaluation. As someone who has been injured, you should seek medical help immediately. Typically, a paramedic will do that on-site. They can let you know if you need to go to the hospital for further evaluation and treatment, depending on the severity of the wounds.
3. Collect Driver Information. It’s crucial that you get the insurance provider, policy number, and driver’s license of your driver. Do the same thing for any other drivers involved in the accident. As a passenger, you won’t need to provide any of your own information.
4. File a Claim. The final step is filing a claim against the offending drivers’ insurers. Be sure that you include your driver as well as any other drivers involved.
But what, you may ask, is the procedure for accidents involving taxi services? In these cases, it’s best to secure an attorney to pursue compensation on your behalf. Rideshare companies operate a bit differently when it comes to insurance coverage, so having legal representation to guide you through the process and fight for your rights will be important.
In fact, it’s a good idea to have an attorney to assist you in any car accident or personal injury cases. A lawyer will be able to help you gather evidence, collect witness statements, and build a case that will support your insurance claim. If you’ve suffered an injury as the passenger in someone else’s vehicle, you may be entitled to compensation. Get in touch with our legal offices here at Wayne Hardee Law to speak with an attorney today!
