What Do You Need to Know as a Passenger in a Car Accident?
- Lerner and Rowe
It takes an experienced personal injury attorney to truly understand the specifics of your Nevada passenger rights and to give you the best possible chance of prevailing in a legal claim.
If you have suffered injuries as a passenger in a car accident, you may have medical bills and lost wages, as well as pain and suffering. You may have to deal with one or more insurance companies as you try to get compensation. It is important to know your Nevada passenger rights so you can ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.
In this blog, our personal injury attorneys at Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorneys in Las Vegas explain what you need to know about your Nevada passenger rights if you were injured in a car accident.
Who Was At Fault?
As a passenger, you undoubtedly were not at fault for causing the accident. Unless, of course, you did something reckless such as grabbing the wheel. However, if you got into a car with a driver that you knew was under the influence of drugs or alcohol, you may not be able to prevail in filing a claim. Even though the accident was not your fault, you still made the decision to get in a car driven by an impaired driver.
Fault may lie with the driver of the car that you were riding in, the driver of the other car, or in rare cases, with no one. An example of an accident in which no one is at fault could be one in which the driver hits a deer that suddenly darts into the road. In that case, the accident may have been unavoidable.
The insurance companies will look at the evidence to try to decide who is at fault for the accident. The companies may look at physical evidence, check the police report, and interview witnesses. In some cases, more than one driver can share fault, and they may each have a percentage of the blame.
What Steps Should You Take if You Suffer Injury as a Passenger?
Call 911 if anyone sustains injuries – Do not try to force yourself to move if it feels like you are not able to. If anyone suffers injury, call 911. You should also alert the local police so they can investigate the accident.
Visit your doctor if needed – Realize that even if you are not aware of being immediately injured, you could still have a concussion or internal injuries. Be mindful of any unusual symptoms you may have, and if you have any doubt, visit your doctor. Even if you have new symptoms a few days after the accident. Some injuries may not seem as severe at first. Their severity can hide behind the rush of adrenaline that occurs after the accident.
Check with a personal injury accident attorney – Contacting an attorney can help make sure you have the best possible chance of receiving the most compensation for your injuries. The insurance company or companies may not necessarily offer you the compensation you deserve, so you need someone on your side who will look out for your best interests.
Keep good records – Keep track of any doctor’s visits and bills, prescription costs, symptoms, lost time at work, and any other expenses you may have incurred as a result of your injuries. Other records that may help establish your case include photographs of the scene and of your injuries, witness statements, and police reports.
What if the Driver of the Car You Were in was at Fault?
If the evidence determines the driver of the car you were riding in is at fault, you can file a legal claim against his or her insurance company. The driver’s liability insurance coverage can provide money for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If they refuse to provide money, or make a low offer, a personal injury attorney can help you understand your Nevada passenger rights.
You may feel awkward pursuing a claim if you know the driver, but you are actually making a claim against his or her insurance company rather than the driver personally. However, if you are related to the driver (especially if you live with him or her) the insurance policy may not cover your claim.
What if the Driver of Another Car was at Fault?
If the driver of the other vehicle turns out to be the party at fault for the accident, you can file a claim against his or her insurance coverage. In some cases, multiple drivers may be at fault. Under that circumstance, you may be able to file multiple claims. The total amount you may receive, however, cannot be greater than the amount of your damages, even if you prevail in a legal action.
Knowing your Nevada Passenger Rights
In a wreck? Need a check? It takes an experienced personal injury attorney to truly understand the specifics of your Nevada passenger rights and to give you the best possible chance of prevailing in a legal claim. If you have been in an accident when you were a passenger, contact Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorneys at 702-877-1500. Our office hours are 8:00 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, but we are available 24/7 to take your call. You can also reach us via our Live Chat feature or by filling out an online form.
We offer free consultations, so you will not have to pay unless you win your case. You can count on the attorneys at Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorneys to bring experience, skill, and passion to your case! So don’t waste any more time. Contact us today!
The information on this blog is for general information purposes only. Nothing herein should be taken as legal advice for any individual case or situation. This information is not intended to create, and receipt or viewing does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship.
