At some point, you have probably ridden as a passenger in someone else’s car. When you’re a passenger, you entrust the driver with the responsibility of making good decisions while they’re behind the wheel to ensure your safety. Unfortunately, accidents can happen, and it can be challenging to determine the appropriate course of action as a passenger. You’ll likely struggle to assess liability for the accident. If you find yourself in this situation, it’s in your best interest to enlist the help of a talented Prince George’s County Auto Accident Lawyer who can help you determine whether you’re eligible to pursue a personal injury claim to recover monetary compensation for the damages you’ve endured.
Do injured passengers have rights in Maryland?
When a car accident occurs, drivers aren’t the only ones injured. In some cases, passengers also suffer injuries that negatively impact their life. When this is the case, passengers are entitled to pursue legal action for the damages incurred. Passengers can sue another motorist as long as they can prove they were injured due to that motorist’s negligence. Essentially, injured parties must fulfill the burden of proof. To satisfy the burden of proof, you should hire an experienced attorney to help you gather pertinent evidence to corroborate your claim.
Do passengers ever share liability for car accidents?
When you ride with another person in a car, they ultimately bear the responsibility for your safety. Therefore, if they make a mistake that causes an accident, the driver may be liable for any injuries resulting from the crash. In most cases, if the driver of the car you traveled in is at fault for the cause of the accident, their personal injury protection (PIP) insurance will cover a portion of your damages. If their policy does not cover the total cost of your damages, you can pursue compensation through a personal injury lawsuit.
Moreover, it’s possible that the driver of the car you were in may not be responsible for the cause of the accident. Another motorist on the road may be liable for the cause of the collision. You can file a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company. Their auto insurance policy may cover the costs of your medical expenses. However, if their coverage is insufficient, you can pursue a personal injury case against the at-fault driver to recover compensation for your damages.
Furthermore, you should note that the driver of the case you rode in and another motorist on the road may share liability for the accident. In this case, you can pursue legal action against both drivers. As a passenger, you likely will not be liable for an accident as you were at the driver’s mercy. However, there are instances when the liable parties’ insurance will dismiss your claim. For example, if you willingly or knowingly get into a car with a drunk driver, they may deny your claim.
For more information about passengers’ eligibility to pursue compensation after a car accident, please don’t hesitate to contact a skilled lawyer from the legal team at Timian & Fawcett, LLC. We are prepared to help you fight for the just compensation you deserve.
