According to state law, drivers can make personal injury claims against at-fault parties after an auto accident. However, some are unclear on passengers’ rights in this regard. Here, potential clients can get basic advice on making a personal injury claim as a passenger.
Drivers Have a Responsibility for Passengers’ Safety
Vehicle drivers and owners are responsible for passengers, and they must act reasonably in caring for passengers’ safety. If a driver acts negligently and causes an accident, passengers can file a personal injury claim against them. A passenger and an auto accident attorney in Warrenton, VA can also sue the vehicle’s owner for allowing the negligent party to operate the vehicle.
Can Passengers Sue More Than One Driver?
If the accident involves multiple vehicles and drivers share the blame, injured passengers can sue both parties. When passengers pursue claims against multiple drivers, the doctrine of comparative negligence becomes a factor. Here, the victim receives damages according to each driver’s percentage of fault. For instance, if fault is shared 80/20, the victim gets 80% of the damages from one driver and 20% from the other.
When Passengers and Drivers Are Related
If a driver causes an auto accident and a related passenger sustains injuries, the victim can recover damages from the driver’s insurance company. However, extended family may not be covered. A cousin, aunt, uncle, or other family member injured in an accident would need to make a personal injury claim to receive compensation for their damages, injuries, pain and suffering.
Insurance policies typically list covered drivers, and they limit certain family members from suing for anything other than no-fault and extended medical coverage. Unless it’s specifically listed in the policy documents, those who aren’t part of the immediate household aren’t automatically covered.
Hire a Personal Injury Attorney When Passengers Are Injured
If a passenger suffers injuries in an auto accident, they should hire an auto accident attorney in Warrenton, VA to pursue a claim against the responsible party. Personal injury claims can be difficult, and those without legal representation may receive smaller settlements. Schedule an appointment with a local personal injury lawyer today.
