What Happens if You’re a Passenger in a Car Accident?

What Happens if You’re a Passenger in a Car Accident?

When you get in the car with your friends or family, the last thing you expect is to get in an accident. You just want to get to wherever you’re going. You know your friend is a safe driver. So, why would you expect to get into a crash?

If you do get hurt in a car accident, you have the same rights as if you were the driver. If another driver is at fault, you have a legitimate claim for damages. The same is true if the driver of your car is at fault.

The last thing anyone wants to do is file a claim against their friend or family member. You have to remember – you’re not filing a claim against them. You’re filing a claim against their insurance company.

The reason people pay for insurance is in case they do get into an accident. That’s why it’s there. So, regardless of who’s at fault, you need to file an insurance claim.

If you’re not sure how to go about doing this, you really should contact car accident attorney in Texas.

Your Car Accident Attorney in Texas Can Help You File Your Claim

 

If you’re the passenger in a car accident, you may not know what to do. You aren’t sure where to turn. You may not even know who you’re supposed to file a claim against. As the passenger, you may not even know who’s at fault.

The first thing your car accident attorney in Texas will do is make sure your claim is filed against both policies. In case it’s determined that one driver is at fault, you want to make sure you’re covered. The worst that can happen is that one of your claims are denied.

It could take some time for the insurance companies to work out who was at fault. You need a car accident attorney in Texas to represent you though this process. You don’t want to be taken advantage of. Sadly, if you don’t have an attorney, chances are, you will be taken advantage of.

How Can Your Car Accident Attorney in Texas Help if Your Claim is Denied?

 

There’s no guarantee that your claim will be paid. For all you know, one or both insurance companies may deny your claim. Your claim could be denied for any number of reasons. Some of these reasons include:

  • The policy wasn’t valid at the time of the accident
  • They don’t believe their driver was at fault
  • They don’t think you were injured
  • They believe that the driver of your car caused the accident

Clearly, you can’t be held responsible for the accident. You were a passenger. However, the insurance company may insist that the person driving your car was at fault. Your car accident attorney in Texas can help you file an appeal.

Your car accident attorney in Texas is going to reach out to the insurance adjuster. He’ll try to get your claim paid. He’ll also try to negotiate a settlement of your claim. If this doesn’t work, he’ll have no choice but to file a personal lawsuit on your behalf.

Your Car Accident Attorney in Texas Can Separate You as Witness and Claimant

 

When you’re the passenger in an accident, you play two roles. First, you are a claimant asking that you be compensated for your injuries. Second, you are a witness to the accident. Your lawyer has to handle both sides of this.

As far as your witness statement goes, you want to be honest. If it’s determined that your friend is at fault, you’ll have no choice but to file a claim against his insurance. If you insist that he isn’t at fault and attest to this in court, you could lose any chance of getting compensated.

Your attorney will help you handle this. He knows what you can and can’t do as far as witness statements are concerned. He’ll deal with the attorneys for both drivers so you don’t have to. Any communications with them will have to go through your lawyer.

Contact a Car Accident Attorney in Texas Today

 

If you’re the passenger in a car accident, you need to do a few things. Make sure the police come and complete and accident report. Even if the drivers of the cars agree not to, you need to call the police. This may not win you any points with your friend, but you need to protect yourself.

The next thing you need to do is seek medical treatment. Even if you don’t think you’re hurt, you need to get checked out. You could have internal injuries. You may also need medical proof of your injuries for your claim.

Finally, call and talk to a car accident attorney in Texas. The consultation is absolutely free and you pay nothing until you settle your claim.

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