The unfortunate thing about being a passenger in a car accident is that a car accident typically is not your fault. As a passenger, you have no control over the vehicle and cannot do anything to avoid an accident. So, if you are a passenger in a car accident, you may wonder if you can file an injury claim and if you and how much money can a passenger in an Atlanta car accident receive.
You may feel guilty about filing a claim against the driver. However, their insurance company will have to pay out – not the driver.
Injuries Passengers Often Receive In a Car Accident in Atlanta
If you are a passenger in a car accident, it is essential that you first try to document as much as possible at the scene of the accident (if you can). Documentation includes photos of the accident and your injuries, insurance information, and a police report. If you did not receive an accident report, here is how you can receive your accident report in Atlanta.
You can likely sustain several injuries as a passenger in a car accident. Some common injuries are:
- Neck and shoulder injuries
- Back and spinal cord injuries
- Broken bones
- Brain injuries
- Internal injuries
The second thing you should do is seek medical treatment. Not all injuries show themselves right away. For example, if you have been in a car accident on an Atlanta roadway, it is best to visit a hospital or your doctor as soon as possible. That nagging headache or sore muscles may signify a more severe injury.
What Financial Claims Should I File?
Your health should be your top priority. If you have been injured in an Atlanta car accident, seek medical attention immediately. Determining how much money you could be compensated for is complicated. However, documentation will help your claim. If you were a passenger and plan to file a claim, keep a copy of all documents, including:
- Doctor visits
- Injuries sustained
- Procedures
- Bills
- Transportation costs
- Lost wages
Since you were a passenger and most likely not at fault, it is possible to claim compensation for your injuries caused in a car accident.
Who is Financially Responsible for my Injuries?
There are several factors to consider when deciding who is responsible for the car accident and your injuries. Bad driving habits or ‘risky driving can be a common cause of car accidents. The Georgia Governor’s Office of Highway Safety defines risky driving as “driver-related behaviors that contribute to the occurrence of traffic crashes or traffic-related injuries and fatalities.”
You will most likely file a claim under the driver’s insurance policy. But other people may be at fault, and you can also file a claim against them.
You may need the help of an Atlanta car accident attorney. They will collect the evidence for your claim. Some factors used to decide who is financially responsible for your injuries are:
Negligence – This is the failure to take proper care in doing something. If your car’s driver or the other driver failed to drive safely, their insurance company might be responsible for paying for your injuries.
Mechanical failure – If a part did not function properly, such as the airbags failed to deploy and caused your harm. The car manufacturer may be responsible for paying for your injuries.
Vehicle owner – The car driver may not always be the car’s owner. You might be able to file a claim against the driver’s insurance company and the vehicle’s owner.
Employer Error – This is used in the case when one of the vehicles in the accident was a company car. The company is responsible if the driver was forced to work in unsafe conditions or over their allotted hours.
As you can see, having a personal injury attorney on your side will help you file claims against those responsible for paying for your injuries.
Should You File an Injury Claim for an Atlanta Car Accident?
If you are involved in a car accident, you should immediately call an experienced car accident attorney. Deciding who to file the claim against is an important issue, and you need an expert on your side. Georgia Trial Attorneys are experienced car accident attorneys that can help you file your claim.
Have you been a passenger in a car accident? We can help you get your insurance claim. If you are ready to meet with an attorney, contact us at 833-4TheWin to speak with one of our car accident attorneys.