Injured Passengers Have Rights After a California Vehicle Collision

At Nunes Law, our car accident attorney in Fresno knows that drivers are not the only people who are injured during California vehicle collisions.

Passengers are equally at risk for injuries during a crash as the person behind the wheel, no matter who is at fault for the accident.

Since most of our residents are passengers at one time or another, it is important to know what your legal rights and options are if you are injured in a traffic accident as a vehicle occupant.

WHAT ARE MY LEGAL RIGHTS AS AN INJURED PASSENGER IN A CALIFORNIA CAR ACCIDENT?

If you were a passenger who was hurt during a traffic accident in California, seek medical care from a licensed healthcare provider immediately after the crash.

In California, injured passengers are entitled to seek complete financial compensation for their injuries and related damages. The key to pursuing a personal injury claim is to confirm that you suffered harm during the crash. Seeking care right away will allow you to verify you were hurt, and that there is a treatment plan and timeline in place.

This allows us to place a financial value on your injuries, based on how they have impacted your day-to-day activities and overall quality of life.

Next, we must determine who was at fault for the crash, so together we can pursue their insurance coverage for your complete financial compensation.

Since you were a passenger when the crash occurred, you were obviously not at fault.

That leaves two options: Either the driver of the vehicle you were in was at fault, or another driver or third party was at fault for the crash.

Once we determine who is liable, we can begin building your case and pursuing their insurance coverage for the financial compensation you may be entitled to for your unique recovery needs.

WHAT TYPE OF FINANCIAL COMPENSATION CAN PASSENGERS PURSUE AFTER AN ACCIDENT?

If you are injured as a passenger in a California car accident, you have the right to pursue compensation from the at-fault driver’s auto insurance company, with one possible exception.

If the at-fault driver is a close relative with whom you share a vehicle insurance policy, you may not be ineligible to file a claim against that policy.

If you are eligible to pursue a personal injury claim against the at-fault driver, the common financial recovery requirements for your unique case may include:

• Current and future medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Reduced earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Physical impairment or disfigurement

Most car accident claims involving injured passengers in California are settled out of court.

Allow our skilled Fresno car accident lawyers at Nunes Law to negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf, so you can focus on getting your life back on track.

CONTACT OUR PERSONAL INJURY ATTORNEYS IN FRESNO, CALIFORNIA FOR A FREE CONSULTATION

If you were a passenger who was injured in a vehicle collision caused by negligence, contact our experienced personal injury attorneys in Fresno at Nunes Law today by calling (559) 702-5124 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation to discuss your legal rights and options to hold the liable party accountable for your complete financial recovery.

Related Links:

• Making an Injury Claim While on Workers’ Compensation
• Recognizing Traumatic Brain Injury After CA Traffic Accident
• Personal Injury Claim Process
• March is Brain Injury Awareness Month Throughout the U.S.A
• Do Insurance Companies Hire Private Investigators?