Philadelphia Passenger Injury Attorney
Being the passenger in a car accident can be a traumatic and life-changing event, involving injury, pain, and fear. If you were a passenger who was recently involved in an accident, you know you weren’t at fault – but who was? And what are your options moving forward?
At Ciccarelli Law Offices, our team of Philadelphia car accident lawyers understands how difficult and stressful a passenger accident case can be. There are many questions to ask and decisions to be made on your behalf. Our legal team of auto accident experts has served individuals in Pennsylvania for years, in the counties of Chester, Bucks, Delaware, Lancaster, and Philadelphia.
What to Do If You’re a Passenger in an Accident
The first step you should take in passenger accident cases is determining fault. This alone can be a complicated and lengthy process, because it may be unclear who was in the wrong or what party is to blame. To determine fault, insurance companies will launch an investigation into the accident and review police reports, gather statements from involved parties, and talk to witnesses who observed the accident. Once fault has been determined, passengers are able to file a third-party claim against the at-fault driver and receive financial compensation for injuries, medical costs, and lost wages, and suffering incurred by the accident.
If you’re related to the at-fault driver, however, special rules apply – the insurance policy may not cover you, since an insured driver cannot usually file a liability claim against his or her own coverage. Speak to an accident lawyer if this is the case to learn about your claim options.
If the driver of the vehicle you weren’t in is at fault, you can pursue a claim against their insurance coverage in much the same manner. If both parties are equally at fault or both are at fault in some capacity, you have the right to receive compensation from both drivers for the accident – but the maximum value will be no more than the total value of the claim.
How to File a Claim
It is your responsibility, as a passenger, to file a claim as quickly as possible after an accident. Call the police immediately to document the accident and make official notes about the situation. Next, call your insurance company to begin an investigation and start the process of determining fault. Then, you should call a lawyer to make sure you’re receiving the total amount of compensation for your injuries, lost wages, and suffering.
There are a few avenues open to get compensation for your medical bills and other losses. You can make a claim for medical payments (med pay) in the event that an insurance claim takes too long to process. Med pay covers your immediate medical bills up to about $10,000 and is not contingent on determining who was at fault – making payout much faster than insurance claims.
Philadelphia Auto Accident Lawyers
The Philadelphia personal injury attorneys at Ciccarelli Law Offices have spent years helping passengers involved in auto accidents, and we know the ins and outs of liability cases. Even if you are slightly at fault for the accident (i.e., you grabbed the wheel or intentionally distracted the driver), you can still receive compensation if the right attorney is fighting your case.
Whether you were critically injured or suffered long-term disability, you can claim compensation and get your medical bills covered, as well as make up for any wages lost or pain and suffering withstood. As an innocent passenger, you shouldn’t have to pay for a mistake you didn’t make. Contact us today to begin your case and take strides toward recovery.