Passenger Rights in Motor Vehicle Accidents
If you’re a passenger in a vehicle that ends up in an accident, what are your rights? What can you do ensure your medical bills are covered? What happens if you need to miss days of work due to your injuries? Thankfully, you have several options to ensure you are properly compensated , but you will likely need the help of an injury attorney to successfully negotiate with the insurance companies. Here’s what you should know!
The Insurance Company of the At-Fault Driver Steps In
Generally, when two cars collide, someone is likely to be found at fault for the accident. The at-fault driver’s insurance company is responsible for the other driver’s vehicle repairs and medical bills, if an injury occurred. If an injured victim needs to file a lawsuit in order to receive financial restitution, then that insurance company is the first one contacted. Since just anyone involved cannot sue the insurance company directly, the suit is actually filed against the at-fault driver.
What does this mean for you? Well, if you’re a passenger in a vehicle that is involved in a accident and you are injured, you’ll need to file a lawsuit, with the help of an attorney of course, against the at-fault driver and their insurance company. Otherwise, you may not be properly reimbursed for your injuries.
Your Health Insurance or Car Insurance May Cover Your Bills
Depending on your specific healthcare or car insurance policies, you may be able to have them cover your medical expenses initially. When you arrive at the hospital after an accident, you’ll need to provide your health insurance information to the registrar. The registrar will review the details with you to ensure they have the correct information. Your own insurance will likely cover your expenses initially and then they will reach out to the at-fault driver’s insurance company for reimbursement. You may not be made aware of this process, but in many instances, it does occur this way.
Another possibility is that your auto insurance policy, even though you weren’t driving or even in your own vehicle, covers your medical expenses. The type of policy you have will determine whether or not this is possible. It’s more likely to take effect if the accident occurred while in your own vehicle, even if you weren’t driving or responsible for the accident.
Additionally, you may find that you’re able to get reimbursed from multiple policies. Your health insurance covers the initial costs, then you receive money from your car insurance or the at-fault driver’s. You have insurance coverage for this very reason, so make sure that you go down every possible avenue in order to recoup your expenses.
Hire an Attorney
It can be tricky to receive reimbursement for your medical expenses if you’re the passenger in an auto accident. Since there are many potential options, it’s best to hire an attorney who can help you navigate those waters.
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