Car accident injuries to passengers in Iowa and Illinois are just as severe as those sustained by the drivers of the vehicles involved. Sometimes these injuries are even worse, depending on the kind of accident and where the vehicle was struck. Thankfully, you can seek financial compensation for your injuries if you are a passenger. With that in mind, here are 15+ factors you need to know if you’ve been injured as a passenger in a car accident.
7+ Common Car Accident Passenger Injuries
Passengers in car accidents can suffer all the injuries a driver might experience. These include:
At times, these extensive injuries can also lead to wrongful death. In this case, the victim’s family may still be able to seek financial compensation from one or more responsible parties.
8+ Facts to Know About Passenger Injury Claims
- Not every driver has insurance, but this doesn’t mean you’re out of options for financial compensation.
- Some insurance companies will deny claims made by passengers. A personal injury lawyer will fight for your rights, even if the insurance company wants to go to court.
- The passenger is considered a third party. Thus, you will file a third-party injury claim.
- You might be able to sue both drivers for your injuries. This can maximize your compensation.
- As a passenger injured in an accident, it’s possible to get financial compensation from multiple insurance companies.
- Receiving financial compensation takes time. So, don’t wait too long to call us for your free case evaluation and consultation.
- If you delay seeking medical treatment, it may affect the amount of compensation you can receive. This is because waiting to receive medical help gives the impression that your injuries were not as severe as you claim.
- You can be injured in accidents involving multiple vehicles or accidents involving just the vehicle you’re riding in.
Finally, if the at-fault driver is someone you know, you may feel uncomfortable seeking financial compensation. However, when you file your claim, it will be against the driver’s insurance company- not the driver themself.
Related topic: Injured as a passenger in a rideshare accident? Read our full breakdown here.
How to File a Claim Against the At-Fault Driver
Every driver owes a duty of care to their passengers, the other vehicles on the road, and the passengers of those vehicles. When you file a passenger injury claim, your lawyer will need to determine who breached that duty of care. This party is the at-fault driver.
Unless you have a strong background in law, it can be difficult to determine who caused the accident that caused your injuries accurately. Even if you understand the laws surrounding passenger injuries, it may not be in your best interests to take on a complex legal case alone while trying to recover.
Instead, don’t hesitate to contact Winstein, Kavensky, and Cunningham. We operate out of Davenport, Iowa, but our legal team represents accident victims throughout Illinois and Iowa, including but not limited to Davenport, Bettendorf, Rock Island, Moline, or East Moline.
What Can an Injured Passenger Do to Strengthen Their Personal Injury Case?
There are a number of things that an injured passenger can do after a car accident to help strengthen their personal injury case.
- As mentioned previously, it’s of the utmost importance that you seek medical attention right away. Don’t wait to find out if you will receive financial compensation.
- Follow all of your doctor’s orders, and attend regular check-ups.
- Make sure your doctor knows every effect of the accident, including changes in your mental health.
- Save all documentation about your injuries, like medical bills and doctor’s notes. This evidence will help prove the financial strain on you and your family since the accident.
- Lastly, share all this documentation with your personal injury lawyer. They can help discover who is at fault for your accident and use evidence to establish just compensation from the insurance companies for pain, suffering, and other damages.
Contact a Car Accident Passenger Injuries Lawyer
If you’ve been injured while riding as a passenger, it’s time to seek financial compensation. You won’t pay us any fees unless we obtain a financial recovery on your behalf. So, don’t wait- reach out to us today.
Call us at (309) 794-1515, fill out our FREE online form, or text through LiveChat to set up your free initial consultation at Winstein, Kavensky, and Cunningham. We’ve successfully represented the varied legal interests of our clients for over 50 years.
The information on this blog is for general information purposes only. Nothing herein should be taken as legal advice for any individual case or situation. This information is not intended to create, and receipt or viewing does not constitute an attorney-client relationship.