The amount of compensation that a passenger can get after a car accident depends on the extent of damages they’ve experienced from the crash. Some meritorious claims may only be worth a few hundred dollars, while the most severe cases could result in millions of dollars in payment. Of course, most claims fall somewhere in between these extremes.
The experiences of passengers in crashes are different from those of drivers. The two drivers involved in a collision might dispute fault for a crash. For example, one driver might allege that the other was veering into their lane, while the other driver might say the exact opposite. Passengers, on the other hand, are completely vulnerable to the decisions and actions of these drivers.
In other words, passengers are almost always absolved from disputes about liability. Several factors determine how much a person receives after being involved in a crash, including the quality of the insurance policy of the at-fault driver and the extent of the passenger’s injuries.
Can a Passenger Get Money After a Car Accident?
Absolutely. A passenger injured in a car accident has the same rights as anyone who has been hurt because of someone else’s negligence. In some cases, the insurance coverage of the driver or drivers will cover all the costs the passenger faces. If, for some reason, the insurance payments are less than the passenger deserves, they have the right to pursue compensation through a personal injury claim.
If you are a passenger injured in a car accident, it is important that you consult an experienced attorney to make sure the amount you’re receiving from insurers is adequate. You might not realize how costly your injuries will be in the weeks, months, and years to come. Don’t blindly accept an offer from an insurance company or at-fault driver. Once you accept an offer, demanding further payment may be a dead end.
So, How Much Money Can a Passenger Get in a Car Accident?
A passenger injured in a car accident should review all their past bills and costs to get a better idea of how much they are owed after the crash. They should also factor in the future costs of their injuries to be sure they are getting fair payment. If you have been injured in a crash, you should contact a car accident attorney , so you can be sure that you are being represented by someone who is concerned solely with your best interests.
Some claims can result in a few hundred, or a few thousand dollars, while others could net millions for a severely injured, permanently disabled passenger. The amount you are owed depends on the extent of your injuries.
How Do Settlements Work for a Passenger Injured in a Car Accident?
After being injured in a crash, you should contact an attorney to make sure your interests are being protected. If the driver of your vehicle was a family member, you might be covered by their policy, in which case you will be offered compensation to cover medical bills and other costs. If the at-fault driver was the operator of another vehicle, you can demand payment from their insurance company, though it’s important not to accept an insurance company’s offer if it doesn’t meet your needs.
In some cases, multiple passengers are injured in a crash, which could affect the amount of money each passenger receives. For example, the amount of payment a driver’s insurance company will offer has a limit, so the more passengers in a crash, the less each could receive. Things can quickly become complicated in these situations, so the important thing to remember is never to simply accept the offer you’re given without first consulting your own attorney.
If the amount you are offered by your driver’s insurance company isn’t adequate to cover your damages, you might be able to file a separate claim against the driver of the other vehicle, especially if that driver was partially at fault for the crash.
Who Should Compensate You for Your Injuries?
Who pays you for your injuries depends on several factors. The driver of your vehicle might have a policy that covers all the costs you face. The driver of the other vehicle might also be held accountable for your expenses, in which case their insurance company will make you an offer for payment. Sometimes a combination of both drivers’ policies will be needed to cover your costs.
In certain situations, a passenger injured in a car accident can use their own insurance policy to cover some of the costs they face. Your health insurance might be needed to cover immediate medical care, even if you are eventually paid by a driver’s insurance company. If you have car insurance, it might be possible to get some compensation through your own policy. Though these scenarios are less common, they are one of the many options you and your lawyer will consider to make sure you have compensation to cover the expenses you’ve encountered.
Damages You Should Seek After Being Injured in a Car Accident
Injuries suffered in vehicle crashes can quickly become expensive. You should never settle for less than you deserve, and you should always carefully review the many costs you face to be sure you are demanding payment that accurately reflects your expenses. If you are a passenger injured in a car accident, consider the amount you should be given for…
- Medical bills (past and future)
- Lost income and earning capacity (past and future)
- Pain and mental anguish/suffering (past and future)
- Disfigurement/scarring (past and future)
- Physical impairment (past and future).
You should consider not only the existing medical bills and lost income, but also the bills and losses you will face in the weeks, months, and years to come. You should also try to fully anticipate the future value of your other damages. Determining the amount you’re owed might seem overwhelming, but an experienced car accident attorney will know how much you should demand in payment.
Contact Houston’s Terry Bryant to Learn More
If you’re wondering how much money a passenger can get in a car accident, we encourage you to contact the accident & injury law office of Terry Bryant to learn more about your options. We’ve helped several passengers in these cases, and we will help you figure out a plan to get the compensation you’re entitled to.
Call us now at (713) 973-8888 or toll-free 1 (800) 444-5000, or contact us online through a contact form. We offer free consultations, and we don’t earn a dime unless you win your case.
Attorney Terry Bryant
Terry Bryant is Board Certified in personal injury trial law, which means his extensive knowledge of the law has been recognized by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, setting him apart from many other injury attorneys. The 22 years he spent as a Municipal Judge, Spring Valley Village, TX also provides him keen insight into the Texas court system. That experience also helps shape his perspective on personal injury cases and how they might resolve. This unique insight benefits his clients. [ Attorney Bio ]
