Each year, there are an average of six million car accidents that occur across the United States. While most people know that the drivers involved in the accident can file a personal injury claim following the incident, it is less common knowledge that the passengers of the vehicles have the same right.
Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg, and Gifford, P.C. is a car accident injury firm with experience helping victims build a solid personal injury claim. If you were a passenger in a car accident, you may be wondering when you can file a car accident claim for injuries you have suffered as a result.
When to File a Car Accident Claim As a Passenger
Passengers have the same right as drivers to file a car accident claim for injuries they have suffered due to the incident. A passenger is considered a victim of the car accident just as the drivers are and should get in touch with an experienced car accident injury attorney as soon as possible to begin the process of filing their claim.
You may be surprised to learn that passengers historically have an easier time than most drivers who file a personal injury claim because it is far more likely that they were not the party at fault in causing the accident. However, a passenger must still prove liability and damages in their claim. A passenger liability claim is very similar to a driver’s injury claim. The only real difference is that a passenger may pursue both drivers involved in the accident for damages if they believe they are both liable for what happened.
What Damages May A Passenger Be Eligible to Receive?
If you were a passenger in a vehicle that was involved in a car accident, you may be eligible to receive compensation in the form of damages for your injuries. Damages you may be eligible to collect include:
- Medical Expenses: If you have had to seek medical attention of any kind for your injuries, you may be eligible to be compensated for those bills. This may include an ambulance ride, doctor visits, and any treatments your doctor has recommended for you.
- Lost Wages: If your injuries have caused you to miss days of work, you may be able to be compensated for the pay you have missed out on as a result.
- Pain and Suffering: For any non-financial pain and suffering, you may be able to be compensated for the damage this has caused in your life.
- Lost Earning Potential: If your injuries have left you disabled or with chronic pain, you may be compensated for the effect those injuries have had on your ability to earn money in your career.
A Pennsylvania car accident injury attorney may be able to help you understand what damages you may be eligible to collect based on the details of your claim.
Partner With Experienced Car Accident Injury Attorneys
Even though you may not have been the one driving the car, it does not mean you are not entitled to filing an injury claim after a Pennsylvania car accident. Passengers have a legal right to file a car accident claim and should partner with an experienced car accident injury attorney to help make their claim strong.
Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg, and Gifford, P.C. is an award-winning law firm that has been helping passengers injured in car accidents for over 65 years. Our seasoned legal team is proud to provide our clients with the unique and dedicated representation they deserve. Schedule a free consultation by filling out our contact form or call (215) 822-7575.
