When there is a debilitating motor vehicle accident, all involved parties have the right to take legal action against the liable party. If you were the passenger traveling in a car that a negligent driver hit, you may have the right to compensation for your damages. You have the right to be repaid in full for every single way you have been affected by the collision and the injuries you sustained.
The amount of compensation you can recover will vary greatly based on the severity of your injuries, whether the liable party has insurance coverage and other factors. Working with a highly skilled North Charleston car accident lawyer may be the best way to maximize your settlement. Our team at Shelly Leeke Law Firm will do everything possible to build a powerful case against the at-fault party so you can get the most out of your claim.
Passengers May Require the Legal Support of an Attorney After a Car Accident
Many passengers hesitate to reach out to a personal injury lawyer in North Charleston for help after a collision because they are overwhelmed by what they perceive the claims process to be like or believe they do not have grounds for a claim. Once you understand your rights and how the claims process unfolds, you can feel empowered to take action against those responsible. Every case is different, but here is a general overview of how passenger car accident claims work:
- We investigate the cause of the motor vehicle accident.
- We gather valuable evidence to prove liability for your damages.
- We consider your legal options and calculate the value of your claim.
- We prepare insurance claims and draft personal lawsuits.
- We negotiate with the insurance company.
- We fight for your right to the maximum settlement possible before a judge when necessary.
As an injured passenger, hiring a lawyer after a car accident may be the best way to get the justice you deserve. We may be able to avoid bringing your case to trial altogether by recovering a settlement from the insurance company or liable party. But do not wait, as the statute of limitations is already counting down, and you may only have three years at most before this deadline expires.
How Fault Insurance Impacts Passengers in a Car Accident
When you are involved in a collision in a fault state, the liable party’s insurance company is expected to cover your damages. South Carolina operates under a fault-based system, so the at-fault party will be held accountable for their negligence. Unfortunately, dealing with the insurance company is often far more complex than many injury victims realize.
South Carolina law requires all motorists to carry auto insurance. However, that does not mean that all drivers will follow these rules. When the driver that hit you does not carry car insurance, it may be far more challenging to recover the compensation you are entitled to.
If the driver that hit you does have insurance, do not expect your settlement to cover every loss. In fact, it is more common than you might think for an insurance settlement to be lacking. For this reason, you should always prepare to bring your car accident case to trial if you were injured as a passenger, as going to court allows you to exercise your right to be made whole.
Types of Compensation Passengers May Be Entitled to After a Car Accident
Passengers have the right to be reimbursed for every way they have been affected by the injuries they sustained, the same way an injured driver would. The at-fault party will be expected to cover these losses. You have the right to be repaid for both economic and non-economic damages, which might include one or more of the following:
Medical Expenses
Injured passengers often report extensive medical expenses. Fortunately, you may be able to recoup a portion of these damages by filing an insurance claim or catastrophic injury lawsuit against the liable party. Examples of medical expenses that you could demand compensation for include:
- Rehabilitation
- Reconstructive surgery
- Co-pays
- Prescription medication
- Home healthcare
- Diagnostic testing
- Treatment from specialists
- Ongoing physical therapy
- Prosthetic limbs
- Medical accommodations
As a passenger, you should not be expected to bear these expenses when the accident was not your fault. We will also need to take into consideration the future impact of your injuries. Down the line, your condition could worsen, which may require further medical treatment and care.
Lost Income
If you need to take time off work to heal from your injuries, you may be able to seek compensation for your lost wages. Passengers often report injuries that are so severe that they impact their ability to continue working. If this is true for your case, you may have the right to compensation for:
- Loss of future potential wages
- Loss of holiday, vacation, or sick pay
- Loss of benefits provided by your employer
- Loss of potential bonuses and salary increases
Other Out-of-Pocket Expenses
Any out-of-pocket expenses related to your passenger car accident injuries can also be included as part of your personal injury case. If you need to hire childcare providers or professional nursing staff to complete daily living activities, these costs should be taken care of by the individual or entity responsible for causing your collision. We will ensure you understand your legal rights and stop at nothing to ensure you are not stuck with the bill when someone else is to blame.
Contact South Carolina’s Leading Car Accident Law Firm
As a passenger in a car accident, going up against the liable party can seem overwhelming. However, when you have the legal support of a top-rated car accident lawyer with Shelly Leeke Law Firm, you can feel confident bringing forward your insurance or civil claims. Connect with our legal team to request a 100% free consultation today.
We work for our clients on contingency, so you will never have to pay anything for our efforts unless or until we win your case. There is little to no risk in contacting our office to explore your options further. Complete our secure contact form or call us to get started on your claim as soon as today.
