Connecticut Personal Injury Lawyers Blog
If you are a passenger in a car that was involved in an accident, you might be wondering what your legal rights are, including whether you are eligible for compensation for injuries you sustained.
The short answer is yes—however, there are several questions that need answering:
- Who was at fault in causing the collision?
- Who insures the vehicles that were involved in the collision?
- Do the applicable insurance policies have enough coverage?
- Do I, though a passenger, have my own automobile insurance policy?
What to Do if Your Driver Is at Fault
As a passenger in a vehicle involved in a car accident, you may feel uncomfortable suing the driver who will probably be a friend or family member. But, you do have the right to file a claim against him/her to receive compensation for your injuries if they were at fault. You should not think of it as a claim against your friend/family member’s assets; rather, it is a claim against his/her insurance.
What if the Other Driver Was at Fault?
If the other driver was at fault for the incident, you can file a claim against their insurance and seek compensation. A car accident attorney with decades of experience in complex auto accident litigations will be able to help protect your rights and figure out how you can receive the compensation you deserve.
Things to Keep in Mind With Insurance Claims for Passengers in a Car Accident
Multiple at-fault drivers: In a situation where the driver of the vehicle in which you were a passenger and the driver of the other vehicle are both at fault, you may be able to sue both drivers.
Health Insurance: If the vehicle in which you were a passenger was insured for medical payments coverage, that coverage could be used to pay some or all of your medical expenses. In addition, your personal automobile insurance policy may also provide such coverage.
Claims against Owners/Employers: If one of the drivers of the at-fault vehicles was working at the time of the collision, you may be able to bring a claim against his/her employer. You may also be able to bring a claim against the owner of any at-fault vehicle if the owner is a different person than the driver of the vehicle.
Contact A Personal Injury Attorney
If you or a loved one was a passenger in a car accident, reach out to the experienced attorneys at Hirsch Andrade. Visit our website or call us at (203) 331-8888 for a free consultation today about your situation.