People usually know how to handle their own crashes as a driver and vehicle owner. But it is a completely different story when you’re the passenger. Adult passengers may feel that they have no options for recovery because it could mean filing a claim against their friend or family member. Additionally, they may feel like they are cutting into the benefits of the driver, who may also need compensation for injuries.
What happens when you’re with your friends or family and then an accident happens? A Toledo auto accident lawyer can help you understand your rights as a passenger. That includes how to begin a claim and when to provide additional information about your injuries and medical needs to the insurance company.
Identifying the At-Fault Drivers
In Ohio, the person who was most at-fault for the accident will be the one who takes responsibility for financial compensation. Well, really, it’s their insurance company who will end up paying. But, the bigger concern is finding out who was at fault.
You have a few general rules of thumb to help you identify the at-fault driver, such as the person who hit the vehicle from behind, is usually responsible. But, there are other factors that impact fault. For example, if someone was not following basic traffic law, they will take a percentage of the fault. So if someone ran a red light, they would take on the part of the fault, and it may show that they were mostly at-fault for the crash.
Things, like running red lights, not following stop signs, speeding, or distracted driving are common factors that help expose the fault of each person involved. As a passenger, you can rest assured that you likely had no part in the fault.
Sometimes finding the person at-fault requires a bit of investigation. The police will likely conduct their own investigation, but you need someone fighting for your case. Contact Ohio Car Accident Lawyers to pair up with an attorney who will help you pin down the person who caused this crash.
Possible Recovery Through Your Insurance
Many adults don’t know that their own insurance policy may offer some coverage if they’re injured as a passenger. If you have enough insurance, specifically as the “MedPay” section of your policy, then you have another avenue for compensation for injuries. Medical Payments Coverage, or MedPay, allows people to make a claim when they are in a crash as a passenger or pedestrian.
This type of policy kicks in regardless of fault, but it only covers medical bills. That means that you cannot seek compensation through a MedPay policy for time lost at work or pain and suffering. There’s also the concern that the insurance policy will seek compensation for themselves through the at-fault driver’s policy.
Uber and Lyft Concerns
Ridesharing has changed many things, such as how we get around after drinking or in unfamiliar cities. But there’s a lot of confusion about what happens after a crash. Is the driver at fault, and if they’re not, who do you seek compensation through?
If you were riding in an Uber, Lyft, or other rideshare companies you might seek resolution for your time lost at work, medical bills, and pain and suffering from the company. Uber, for example, has coverage for the driver and passengers when they are on a ride. That coverage includes at least $1 million in damages and medical coverage.
Ridesharing accidents aren’t as cut-and-dry as your standard accident, though. Involving a major company means that their lawyers will likely be fighting against your claim or to reduce your claim amount.
Lawyers of insurance companies will fight hard to show that your injuries aren’t as severe as you believe they are, or that they don’t exist at all.
An Attorney Can Help You Get Compensation For Injuries
As a passenger, your options are limited, but your rights are intact. You have the right to pursue compensation for injuries and damages that you sustained. In addition to medical coverage, you should also have access to recover your financial losses such as lost hours from work, damage to any items you had in the car, and then pain and suffering.
A Toledo auto accident lawyer will go through the process of accessing the damages. Pain and suffering, for example, can include the time that you’ll lose with your family while recovering from your injuries. It can also include compensation for disfigurement or loss of limb or vital function. Contact our office and schedule a consultation now.
