I Was a Passenger in a Car Accident. What Are My Options?
Navigating a car accident as a passenger can be confusing. It’s clear that you’re not at fault, but who is responsible for your medical bills or damages?
Your Options Following a Car Accident as a Passenger
Your options following a car accident as a passenger may depend on who’s at fault for the accident. A few options include:
Another Driver Caused the Accident
If another driver was responsible for the car accident in which you were injured, you might be able to pursue compensation from their insurance provider. New Jersey drivers are required to carry minimum liability coverage of $15,000 per person, $30,000 per accident, and $5,000 in property damages.
If the other driver who is responsible for the car accident was working at the time, such as a commercial truck driver, you might be able to pursue compensation from their employer or their employer’s insurance. For example, if a commercial truck driver causes an accident due to an overloaded truck, their employer may be responsible.
The Driver of the Vehicle You Were in Caused the Accident
If the driver of the vehicle you were in caused the accident, you may be able to pursue compensation through them or their insurance provider. In some accidents, two vehicles may not even be involved, such as if a vehicle hits a parked car.
What Happens If You’re in an Accident With an Underinsured/Uninsured Driver?
Drivers are required to have insurance in New Jersey. If they don’t, they can be charged with expensive fines and even a suspended license. If you’re in an accident with an underinsured or uninsured driver, you may not be able to file a claim with their insurance provider.
Additionally, some drivers may have limited insurance policy coverages. If you and the driver of your vehicle are injured at the fault of another driver, you may exceed the compensation available. If there are more passengers in the vehicle at the time of the accident who are also injured, it’s possible that the insurance company will meet its maximum payout before everyone’s injuries are covered.
If the driver of your vehicle carries an underinsured motorist policy, you may be able to file a claim through that policy. If they don’t, you may be able to seek compensation through a personal injury lawsuit. In some cases, your own vehicle or health insurance may also help to cover your costs.
It’s not easy to determine fault following a car accident. It’s also not always clear how to collect the funds you need, especially if the other driver doesn’t have enough insurance. It can be helpful to reach out to a lawyer to help you navigate your case. A lawyer can help investigate the details of the case to determine fault. They can also assist with determining who should pay what. If you were injured as a passenger in a vehicle, it’s unlikely that you were responsible in any way. When you work with a car accident lawyer, they’ll fight for you to ensure you get the funds you need to recover.
Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer Near You to Discuss Your Accident Case in New Jersey
Were you or a loved one injured as a result of a car accident in New Jersey? Don’t let the medical bills pile up while you wait for the negligent party or their insurance company to do the right thing. Right now, you need an aggressive personal injury attorney on your side, fighting to get you the compensation you need, want, and deserve. The skilled attorneys at Drazin and Warshaw, P.C. represent clients injured in car accidents in Westfield, Summit, Scotch Plains, Brick, Aberdeen, Asbury Park, and throughout Monmouth County, Ocean County, Union County, and Middlesex County, NJ. Call (732) 576-8860 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation about your case. We have an office conveniently located at 3315 Route 35, Hazlet, NJ 07730 as well as offices in Red Bank, Brick, and Westfield.
The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.
