What to Do if You're Injured as a Passenger in a Car Accident in Arkansas?

Being in a car accident is stressful enough, but it is even more confusing and overwhelming if you’re a passenger. Here are the steps you should take after an accident, whether you’re injured or not.  By following these steps, you can ensure that you handle a car accident in the best way possible.

No one wants to file an insurance claim after a car accident but doing so will help you collect the compensation you deserve. As a passenger, filing a claim may seem tricky. Where do you file your claim, and who is responsible? Depending on the specifics of your situation, you might file a claim in a few different ways.

Filing a Car Accident Claim with Other Driver’s Insurance

If you were involved in an accident with another driver, the first step is to file a claim with the other driver’s insurer. You will need to provide them with basic information about the accident and any documentation you have (e.g., police report, insurance information).

Once the other driver’s insurer processes your claim, they will send you a settlement offer. If you agree to the offer, you will receive a check for the agreed-upon amount. If you disagree with the offer, you can negotiate for a higher amount or take the case to court.

Remember, the first offer is NEVER the best.

File a Claim Through Your Driver’s Policy

Generally, when you buckle up in a vehicle as a passenger, your driver is also responsible for your safety. This means that the driver must follow all applicable safety rules and laws. If an accident occurs and your driver is to blame, you can file an insurance claim with the driver’s insurance policy. A certain portion of coverage on their insurance policy is often designated to passenger injuries. Unfortunately, this coverage is typically limited, therefore, might not cover all medical expenses associated with your injuries.

File a Claim Through Your Car and Insurance Policies

You might file a claim through your car insurance UM/UIM policy if the driver does not have insurance. Your insurance company will then pay for any damages caused by the accident. Filing a claim with your insurance policy may seem easy, but it is not. Your insurance company will treat your claim like any other, and they will work to pay you as little as possible.

You can also use your health insurance coverage to pay for your injuries and hospitalizations. Purchasing MedPay with your auto insurance policy would also cover your healthcare costs, medical bills, and hospitalizations while you recover. Since MedPay is not contingent on determining fault, your claim could be processed significantly faster than a third-party claim.

Filing an insurance claim can be a complicated and stressful process. However, knowing what steps to take can help make it go more smoothly. By understanding the different options for filing a claim, you can be sure that you get the coverage you need following an accident.

As a car passenger, you could file a lawsuit against several parties if you suffered an injury in an accident. As a passenger, here are some parties you can sue after suffering an injury in an accident.

As a passenger, you have many options when filing a personal injury lawsuit. The best course of action will depend on the specific circumstances of your case. Consulting with an experienced car accident attorney can help determine whom to sue and how to proceed with your case.

When passengers are injured in car accidents, they can seek compensation for economic and non-economic damages.

Economic damages include medical bills, lost wages, and property damage. Non-economic damages include pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.

To recover damages, the passenger must prove that the driver was at fault for the accident. Your attorney can prove fault by showing that the driver violated a traffic law or acted recklessly. If the driver was under the influence of drugs or alcohol, the law considers this evidence of fault.

Once you establish fault, passengers must prove the damages they suffered. With economic damages, this is done quickly by keeping copies of medical receipts, bills, and wage statements. Property damage bills, repair costs, and prescription receipts also help show the amount of compensation an accident victim needs.

If your injury results in disability, your attorney will work with your medical team to determine an estimate of your future medical expenses. If you cannot return to work, they may consult a financial or business expert to assess the loss of future earnings, wages, salaries, and benefits.

Proving pain and suffering is more complicated, however. Pain and suffering are not easily quantified. As such, your attorney will need to show how your injuries affected your life and your emotional and mental state. Proving pain and suffering may include mental health expert testimonies and pain journals. An experienced personal injury attorney can help passengers gather this evidence and build a strong compensation case.