A passenger can sue the driver after a car accident so long as the driver meets liability standards. Depending on the details of your accident, a passenger may sue two or more drivers involved in their collision.
Who Can Passengers Sue After Their Car Accident?
Who a passenger can sue after a car accident depends on liability. If they are liable for a passenger’s injuries, then the passenger may sue:
- The driver of a vehicle they were riding in
- The driver of a vehicle that struck the one they were riding in
- Any other party that contributed to the passenger’s accident
Your specific case details will determine who you can sue.
When Can a Passenger Sue the Driver of the Vehicle They Were Riding in?
In certain cases, a passenger may sue the driver of the vehicle in which they were riding when an accident happened. If a driver causes a single-car accident or causes an accident with other vehicles, they may be liable for their passenger’s damages.
When Can a Passenger Sue Another Driver?
If another motorist caused your injuries as a passenger, then they may be liable for your losses. Drivers can be liable for an accident if:
- They were speeding at the time of your accident
- They were driving distracted or intoxicated at the time of the accident
- They engaged in any dangerous driving behavior that contributed to your accident
- They meet the legal standard of negligence
When negligence produces damages, then the driver may become financially liable for those damages.
How Can You Pursue Compensation from a Liable Party?
Passengers may seek compensation through:
- An insurance claim
- A lawsuit
Georgia is an at-fault state. This means that the at-fault motorist is responsible for covering the losses of accident victims, which may include passengers. The type of action that you pursue will depend on liability, liable parties’ insurance coverage, and other case-specific factors. If multiple drivers are liable for the collision, then you may file an insurance claim with both parties’ insurers.
If any liable party lacks insurance, or lacks enough insurance to cover your losses, then you may sue those parties for your losses. Our firm will analyze the circumstances of your case. We can advise you on how to pursue the awards that you may deserve.
Don’t Wait to Act After an Auto Accident
You must take advantage of the time following your accident. You may need to report your injuries, deal with insurance companies, and complete other time-sensitive responsibilities. Having a lawyer from our firm to help you with these duties can be invaluable.
For a free legal consultation, call 404-214-2001
What Damages Can Passengers Seek Compensation for?
Passengers may seek the same awards as any other car accident victim. If you have suffered a loss because of your accident, then you may receive financial coverage for that loss.
Passengers injured in a car accident can suffer:
- Injury-related medical expenses
Motor vehicle accidents are the second-leading cause of hospitalizations and ER visits in Georgia, per the Georgia Department of Public Health. You may receive coverage for all accident-related medical expenses, including emergency care, hospitalization, doctors’ visits, and rehabilitation costs.
- Lost quality of life
Your quality of life may suffer following your accident. You may receive compensation for emotional distress, symptoms of trauma, and treatment for psychological harm.
- Lost wages
Liable parties may reimburse you for any income that you lose because of your accident. This may include wages, lost retirement contributions, uncompleted bonuses, and other forms of lost income.
Your settlement may cover any other losses that result from your car accident.
Should You Get Legal Help for Your Car Accident Lawsuit?
Yes, and you should hire a lawyer with our team to lead an insurance claim, too. When you first consider seeking compensation, you may not know whether to sue or file an insurance claim. Our firm will sort out the facts of your case and then pursue the appropriate case strategy.
Reasons to hire a lawyer from our firm for your case are:
- The complexity of car accident cases
Much goes into completing a car accident case. From determining liability to calculating the value of losses and completing the legal process, you may be overwhelmed by the responsibilities of a case. Our firm handles car accident cases regularly, and we are prepared to complete yours.
- Health risks of dealing with a claim or lawsuit
If you suffered injuries in a car accident, then your health may be more fragile than normal. Added stress in the form of a lawsuit or claim could cause you further harm. We will help you seek medical care while handling your case—in doing so, allowing you to avoid the stress of the legal process.
Our team will fight for a fair settlement or judgment.
Click to contact our personal injury lawyers today
Call Kaine Law for Your FREE Case Consultation
The Kaine Law team will defend your rights as a passenger involved in a car accident. You may deserve compensation from those who caused your losses. We will lead your claim or lawsuit from start to finish.
Call Kaine Law today at (404) 214-2001 for a FREE consultation about your case.
Call or text 404-214-2001 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
