If you’re the passenger in a vehicle that gets into any sort of accident, you have rights. Chances are, the passengers in any car or truck are going to get injured in a crash. In fact, they could end up with much more serious injuries than the driver. It really depends on the type of accident you’re involved in. It also depends on the sort of safety devices the car has. For example, if you’re in the backseat, you don’t have the benefit of an airbag. And the seatbelts in the back of some cars are different than those in the front.
Car accident lawyers in Houston are often asked what rights these passengers have. Some people don’t realize that they have the same rights as the driver. In fact, if the person driving the car you were in was responsible for the crash, you may have more rights than they do. It may not sound pleasant, but you may have no choice but to file a claim against their insurance company. And, if for some reason the insurance company denies your claim, you may have to pursue the driver personally.
One of the first things you need to remember is to go to the hospital. If you don’t get seen right away, you may not have a claim at all. Passengers don’t have claims for personal property damage. If you don’t get medical treatment, you won’t be able to prove that you were injured. And if you can’t do this, there’s nothing your Houston car accident lawyer can do to help you.
The next thing you need to do is call an experienced injury lawyer in Houston. They’ll talk you through the claims process and let you know what your options are.
It Doesn’t Matter Who Was at Fault
When you’re a passenger in a car crash, it really doesn’t matter who was at fault. If it was the other driver, you’ll file a claim against their insurance company. If it was the driver of the car you were in, you’ll need to pursue their insurance company. Either way, you just want to be made whole. Your Houston car accident lawyer will fight to get you damages for your injuries. These damages may include any or all of the following:
- Medical bills – The person responsible for the crash should be held liable for your medical bills. This includes current expenses and future medical care. It covers things like the ambulance ride and your emergency room visit. It also includes any surgery or treatment you need.
- Lost Wages – If your injuries are very serious, you may miss a significant amount of time from work. If you miss more than a couple of weeks, you may be entitled to lost wages. You can also demand payment for any future wages you lose. For example, if you can’t return to work because of your injuries, you’ll end up on disability. Your Houston accident lawyer will demand the difference between what you’ll make on disability compared to what you would’ve earned at work.
- Pain and Suffering – if your injuries are severe, you may be entitled to pain and suffering. This is intended to compensate you for any mental or physical anguish you suffer as a result of the accident.
Call and talk to an Experienced Car Accident Lawyer in Houston Right Away
If you’re a passenger in a car crash, you have rights. It doesn’t matter who was responsible for the accident. You need to talk to an experienced car accident attorney in Houston right away. You can’t think of this in a personal way. You may have to file a claim against the person who was driving the car you were in. That may be the only way to get coverage for your injuries. You just have to remember – odds are, their insurance company will handle the whole thing. The odds of your friend getting sued personally are very low.
Call today and talk to one of our skilled accident lawyers in Houston. They can sit down with you and review your case one on one. Take advantage of your free initial consultation sooner rather than later. You need to act fast to make sure your claim is filed on time. And, if need be, your attorney will take legal action on your behalf. The consultation is free, and you don’t pay until you win or settle your case.