What Should a Passenger Do After a California Car Accident?
After a car accident occurs, everyone is so focused on establishing fault and determining liability among the drivers that passengers are often overlooked. You may already feel helpless – you weren’t driving, couldn’t have avoided the accident, and your insurance isn’t responsible for processing any property damage claims, but you still may have been injured. Just like drivers, California passenger injuries can incur medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.
As a passenger, you’re entitled to receive compensation for car accident injuries caused by someone’s negligence. The process may even be more straightforward for you than the drivers involved! To make sure the claims process goes smoothly, there are a few easy steps you can take. A skilled California car accident attorney can help you complete these tasks and help you understand if you may be entitled to recover for your injuries.
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Get Important Information
Even if you weren’t a driver in the car accident, you still need to participate in exchanging information with the other parties. Even if fault seems obvious, it’s important to cover your bases and get:
- The information of all drivers involved,
- Contact information for eyewitnesses, and
- Obtain he police report as soon as it’s complete.
File an Injured Passenger Claim
The claims process establishes who’s at fault for the accident. That person will be responsible for damages you incur such as medical bills and lost income. Just like the drivers, you should file a claim as an injured passenger with all drivers’ insurance companies; this is a third-party claim because you aren’t filing a claim with your own insurer.
Your insurance company is almost responsible for injuries you suffered as a passenger, so their insurance companies will fight over who’s at fault. You should consult with a California car accident attorney before filing a claim to determine the best option for your situation.
Hire an Attorney
A car accident attorney can guide you through the process, manage communications with all involved insurance companies, and advise you on pursuing additional damages and how to handle your claims. If no insurance company willingly claims responsibility for the harm you suffered, you may need to file a lawsuit for damages.
Speak to an Attorney
If you’ve were injured as a passenger in a motor vehicle collision, it’s important to protect your legal rights and have someone in your corner looking out for your welfare. The skilled California Car Accident Attorneys at Daneshrad Law fight for victims like you to recover full compensation for your damages. We use our knowledge and resources to build a team of experts, understand your needs, and build the strongest possible case for your recovery. Attorney Alan Daneshrad has spent years providing comprehensive representation and delivering millions of dollars in compensation for clients’ injuries. Call us 24/7 at (888) 881-3529 to schedule a free initial case consultation. Let us evaluate your case and work hard to get you the best possible results for you in Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Jose, and throughout California.
(*For Informational purposes only. Not intended as legal advice)
