One moment, you’re sitting, relaxed in the passenger seat, and the next, you’re reeling from shock and pain after a driver hits the vehicle you’re riding in. Getting injured in a car accident when you’re a passenger can be frightening and confusing, but you’re not alone. Keller & Keller has extensive experience working with auto accident claims, and we can help you navigate the process step-by-step.
You have rights as a passenger in an accident, and we’ll explain what you need to know below. You may have costs from medical care, lost wages, and even emotional or mental suffering. We can help you fight for a fair recovery after the accident. Contact our caring, knowledgeable Albuquerque car accident attorney at Keller & Keller to learn more.
5 Things to Know About Your Rights as a Passenger in a Car Accident
Getting injured in a car accident can be difficult in any situation, but if you’re the passenger, it may feel even more challenging and confusing. What should you do? Is there any recourse for your injuries, lost wages, and other damages? Our Albuquerque car accident lawyer understands the fear and sense of overwhelm that can arise in a situation like this, and our legal team is ready to do whatever we can to help you understand your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Filing a Claim Can Be Complicated, But an Albuquerque Car Accident Can Help
As a passenger in an accident, the liability can be more complex. You may have to file claims against multiple parties, including:
- The person driving the car
- The driver of the other vehicle or vehicles
- If the accidents involved drunk driving, the bar that sold alcohol to the driver that caused the accident may be liable (according to New Mexico dram shop rules)
- If a truck or commercial vehicle was involved, there may be multiple liability claims extending to the trucking company, driver, maintenance company, and more
Because New Mexico is a comparative negligence state, if the driver of the vehicle you were in and the other party (or parties) share fault, you can seek recovery from both. Remember that if the driver is a friend or family member, filing a claim to seek recovery is done through their insurance company and not against the drivers themselves.
Passenger Injuries Can Be Different From Driver Injuries
Getting injured in a car accident as a passenger can have different repercussions and potentially different injuries than a driver. Common passenger accident injuries include:
- Whiplash
- Head and brain injuries (including concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs))
- Fractures
- Soft tissue injuries
- Facial injuries
- Back, neck, or spinal cord injuries
- Burns
- Psychological distress and PTSD
Possible Compensation Can Vary Based on Many Factors
The specifics of the situation matter. If the passenger in the accident is a child, elderly person, or pregnant person, for example, there may be more risk factors and additional injuries. Injuries may also require long-term care, or there may be a variety of complications that stem from accident injuries. Passengers with preexisting conditions may also find that the accident exacerbates their condition and detracts from their quality of life.
Our Albuquerque car accident looks carefully at all the factors involved to help you obtain maximum compensation for your specific situation.
You Can Attempt to Recover Multiple Types of Compensation
One of the questions you may have if you’ve been injured as a passenger in a car accident is what types of compensation you may be eligible for. Possible damages you can attempt to recover include:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Psychological trauma
- Property damage
Recovery May Come From Different Sources
Recovery for the various damages can come from different sources if you’ve been injured in a car accident as a passenger. These include:
- Personal injury protection (PIP) if it is in effect on your insurance policy
- Uninsured or underinsured coverage, if applicable
- The insurance company of the person driving the vehicle you were in
- The other party (or parties) insurance company or companies
- Any other parties that could be liable, depending on the specific situation
How Our Albuquerque Car Accident Attorney Can Help
If you were riding as a passenger during a car accident, you may be eligible to recover damages. At Keller & Keller, we’re skilled in dealing with different cat accident scenarios, and we’ll take the time to evaluate your specific situation and all the factors involved.
We’ll help you understand the next steps, gather evidence and establish liability, negotiate with insurance companies, file a claim, and represent you in court if needed. You don’t have to fight for your rights alone. Turn to an experienced Albuquerque car accident attorney at Keller & Keller to ease the stress and take on the burden.
