Crown Point Passenger Injury Attorney

Injured While Riding in a Vehicle in Crown Point, IN?

Passengers are the most vulnerable individuals on the road. They have no control over the vehicle and are entirely at the mercy of the driver. When that driver is negligent, the passenger is the one who suffers the consequences. We put our trust in others when we get into vehicles, and we expect others on the road to be responsible and safe. When they fail to do so, our lives can be changed forever.

Common Types of Passenger Injuries

Passengers can suffer from various injuries depending on the type and severity of the accident. Here are some common types:

• Whiplash: This is one of the most common injuries in car accidents, especially rear-end collisions. Whiplash occurs when the head is suddenly jerked backward and then forward, causing strain on the neck muscles and ligaments.
• Fractures: Bones can break upon impact with significant force. Common fractures in car accidents include those of the arms, legs, ribs, and skull.
• Head Injuries: Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can range from mild concussions to severe brain damage. These injuries often result from the head hitting the steering wheel, dashboard, or windows upon impact.
• Soft Tissue Injuries: These include bruises, sprains, and strains to muscles, ligaments, and tendons. Soft tissue injuries can occur throughout the body, often from sudden jolts or impacts.
• Cuts and Lacerations: Broken glass, metal, or other debris from the accident can cause cuts and lacerations to the skin. In severe cases, these injuries may require stitches or surgery.
• Internal Injuries: Blunt force trauma from a car accident can cause damage to internal organs such as the liver, spleen, kidneys, or lungs. These injuries may not be immediately apparent and can be life-threatening if left untreated.
• Seat Belt Injuries: While seat belts save lives, they can also cause injuries in high-impact collisions. Seat belt injuries may include bruises, abrasions (known as "seat belt syndrome"), or internal injuries caused by the force of the restraint.
• Emotional Trauma: Car accidents can be traumatic events, leading to psychological distress such as anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in some passengers.

What Are My Options for Compensation as a Passenger?

Passengers who are injured in an accident have several options for monetary damages. As the injured party, you must prove liability to recover compensation from an at-fault driver. However, as a passenger, you are unlikely to have any liability for the accident, which can make the process of recovering compensation easier than it would be if you were the driver.

As a passenger, you can recover compensation by filing a claim against:

• The driver of the vehicle you were in
• The driver of another vehicle involved in the crash
• Both drivers

If you are injured as a passenger in a single-vehicle accident, you can file a claim against the driver of the vehicle you were in. If the driver is a friend or family member, you may feel uncomfortable doing so. However, remember that you are not taking any money directly from the driver, but rather from the driver’s insurance company. You are entitled to compensation for your medical bills and other losses, and the driver has insurance to cover these costs.

When you are a passenger in a multi-vehicle accident, you have the option of filing a claim against the driver of the vehicle you were in, the driver of another vehicle, or both drivers. If both drivers are partially at fault for the accident, you can file a claim against them, and their respective insurance companies will pay a portion of your settlement.

If you choose to file a claim against the driver of the vehicle you were in, you may be able to recover the full amount you are owed more quickly. However, if the driver is a friend or family member, you may feel more comfortable filing a claim against the other driver or both drivers involved in the crash.

What Damages Can I Recover in a Passenger Injury Claim?

As an injured passenger, you can recover compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and other losses. If you are seriously injured, you may be able to recover compensation for future medical bills, as well as future lost wages if you are unable to return to work. You can also recover compensation for your pain and suffering, which can include both the physical and emotional aspects of your injuries.

When you are injured as a passenger, you can file a claim with the insurance company of the at-fault driver. If the driver is a friend or family member, you may be hesitant to do so. However, it is important to remember that you are not taking any money from the driver, but rather from the insurance company. The driver has insurance to cover the costs of an accident, and you are entitled to receive the compensation you need to recover.

Can a Passenger Be Liable for an Accident?

As a passenger, you are unlikely to be liable for an accident. However, if your actions contributed to the crash, you may be found partially at fault. For example, if you were distracting the driver by talking or using your phone, you could be found partially liable for the accident. In Indiana, if you are found to be partially at fault for an accident, you can still recover compensation. However, your settlement will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

How an Indiana Passenger Injury Attorney Can Help

After an accident, you may be contacted by the insurance company of the at-fault driver. The insurance company may offer you a settlement, but it is important to remember that their goal is to pay you as little as possible. The first settlement you are offered is unlikely to cover the full cost of your injuries, and you should not accept it without first speaking to a passenger injury lawyer.

An attorney can help you understand the true value of your claim and negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf. If the insurance company is unwilling to offer a fair settlement, your attorney can take your case to court and fight for the compensation you need to recover.

At Alvarez Law Office, we are committed to helping injured passengers recover the compensation they need to recover. We understand how overwhelming it can be to deal with the aftermath of an accident, and we are here to help you through every step of the process.

Our Indiana passenger injury lawyer can review your case and help you understand your legal options. We can guide you through the claims process and fight for the maximum settlement you are owed. If you are unable to come to our office, we can come to you. We offer free consultations, and we do not charge any attorney’s fees unless we win your case.

Contact us today at (219) 300-5204 to schedule a free consultation with our passenger injury lawyer in Crown Point.