As a passenger in a motor vehicle, you have no control over what happens while on the road. When accidents happen, innocent passengers can suffer severe injuries. It can be hard to know who is at fault and how to obtain the compensation you need as a passenger in a car crash.
Here’s what you need to know about your rights as a passenger if you’re injured in a car accident.
Can an Injured Passenger Pursue an Injury Claim?
Yes, injured passengers can seek compensation for their damages from the at-fault driver. Nevada follows the rule of comparative negligence, meaning you could pursue a lawsuit or settlement against both the driver of the car you were riding in and the other driver if both were at fault.
You may not have to file a personal injury lawsuit to get compensation for your injuries. Your car accident injury lawyer may be able to help you file a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company and negotiate a settlement on your behalf.
Proving Negligence as a Passenger
The key to a successful passenger injury claim is proving the at-fault driver’s negligence. A passenger injury lawyer will work with you to hold all the at-fault parties accountable using evidence such as:
- Police reports
- Witness statements, including your own
- Video from security or traffic cameras
- Photos of the accident scene and damages
You will also need to document the extent of your injuries, which can be done by keeping track of your medical records and attending regular follow-up visits with your doctor.
Possible Compensation for Injured Passengers
If you’re injured as a passenger and played no part in the accident, you shouldn’t be responsible for the expenses and damages you suffered. Damages vary depending on the extent and severity of the injuries suffered, but compensation could include:
- Past and future medical costs
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Disability
- Loss of consortium
Your attorney will consider all the ways your life was impacted by your injuries.
Who Caused the Crash Matters
Since multiple drivers may be at fault, it is essential to investigate what happened and identify all liable parties thoroughly. Who is at fault and your relationship to the at-fault driver impacts how you’ll collect compensation.
What If the Driver Is a Relative or Friend?
Your personal relationships might be strained if you were injured while a family member or friend was driving. Even though it might be difficult, you may have to file a claim with their insurance company or pursue a lawsuit against them if they were at fault for the accident. Doing so could be the only way to get compensation for your injuries in some cases.
Crashes Caused by Another Driver
If another driver, not your friend or relative, caused the accident, you’ll file a third-party claim against their insurance. If the other driver was uninsured, you might be able to file an uninsured/underinsured motorist insurance claim under your own policy.
Rideshare Accidents
If you were a passenger in an Uber or Lyft at the time of the crash, call a lawyer immediately. Rideshare companies provide broad insurance for passengers, drivers, and third parties, and the claims process can be complicated. If the rideshare driver caused the accident, you could file a claim against the driver and their insurer. You also may be able to seek compensation from Uber or Lyft’s liability policy.
Were You Injured as a Passenger? Call Today
If you were a motor vehicle passenger and severely injured in a crash caused by someone else, you should reach out to Oronoz & Ericsson Injury Lawyers. Our firm knows how to handle complex cases like yours and what it takes to get max compensation.
Call today at 702-878-2889 or use our contact form for a free consultation.