Just as the driver of a car, passengers can also be victims of auto accidents that occur in California. The resulting injuries can be extremely devastating and traumatic, taking a toll on families both emotionally and financially. In California, if you are the passenger of a car accident, then you may also have a right to receive compensation which means that you should reach out to a car accident attorney in San Diego immediately.
You should always keep your options open when it comes to collecting compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and any other suffering you incur as a passenger of a car accident. However, filing a claim with an insurance company will come with certain legal obstacles that you will have to navigate with assistance from a car accident attorney. Here is some helpful information that will help you to understand your rights if you were a passenger in a car accident.
Who Will Compensate You for Your Damages
In California, the at-fault driver is responsible for damages and monetary compensation. This could be the driver of the vehicle you were in or the driver of the other vehicle. It’s understandable that you may feel reluctant to file a claim against someone that you are close to. However, you are ultimately obtaining compensation through the insurance company.
Unfortunately, there are certain situations where the negligent driver doesn’t possess full coverage insurance or any insurance at all for that matter. This will require you to file a claim through your own insurance provider. Hopefully, your policy should cover medical payments and damages caused by uninsured drivers.
Related post: 4 Ways an At-Fault and a No-Fault Car Accident are Different
What Should You Do When You are the Passenger of a Car Collision?
There are several steps you should take after the collision occurs. They are as follows:
- Seek medical attention immediately, even if your injuries are mild. The more evidence and documentation you can obtain, the greater legal protection you will have. With that being said, you should also take pictures of the wreckage and the entire scene of the accident as well as any injuries you sustained in the collision.
- Make sure that you also obtain basic contact information from all drivers involved. Ask for statements from eyewitnesses who can offer valuable details on the nature of the crash. This will make a huge difference in proving who is at fault.
- Be sure that you have a copy of the police report. Police officers are going to document the most important information, such as how the crash occurred, driver statements, and their own conclusions on who is responsible for it.
- Avoid any small talk with the other drivers and passengers. They could use anything that you say to them against you.
Take Legal Action Immediately
The statute of limitations to file a claim in California expires two years after the date of the incident in the field of personal injury law. Therefore, our car accident attorneys in San Diego always advise that you take action as soon as possible to ensure that you are never time barred.
Schedule an In-Person Consultation With Our Car Accident Attorneys Today
The incredible car accident lawyers at HHJ Trial Attorneys pride themselves on providing every client with the personalized attention that they need as they begin to navigate the details of their personal injury claim. They serve a wide range of clients throughout San Diego who are suffering due to devastating car collisions. Get in touch with one of our personal injury attorneys in San Diego today to schedule your free consultation.
Testimonial from Mazen, Satisfied Accident Victim
Since the beginning Michael has been professional and friendly. Throughout my time working with him he was always on top of things when it came to my case and whenever I called him with a question he would answer right away. It didn’t matter if it was the weekend, holiday or even late at night, he would always be happy to answer any questions I had. Michael would always fight for me as a client and wanted me to get the most I possibly could. Michael makes you feel like you’re more than just his client he makes you feel like a friend also because he really does want what’s best for you. I couldn’t have had a better experience and I would highly recommend talking with Michael if you need any legal assistance.
