Seattle Passenger Injury Lawyers
Passengers who are injured in Washington car accidents may pursue financial compensation for their injuries and damages, even in cases where they are occupants in the vehicle of the at-fault driver. However, civil litigation can become complicated, especially when friends and family members are involved. So it is important to seek the counsel of an experienced Seattle car accident lawyer who will better explain your legal rights and options in such cases.
Washington Passenger Injury Statistics
According to the 2009 Washington State Collision Data Summary:
- 105 passengers were killed in Washington car accidents
- 21.3 percent of traffic accident fatalities that year involved passengers
- Of the 70,517 passengers involved in Washington car accidents, 531 passengers suffered serious injuries, 11,718 sustained minor injuries, and 58,163 passengers were uninjured
- 60 passengers were killed on state routes
- 37 passengers were killed on county roads
- Six passengers suffered fatal injuries while traveling on city streets
Injuries Suffered by Passengers
Depending upon where the passenger was seated, they may suffer a myriad of injuries. Front seat passengers, for example, may suffer traumatic brain injuries if there is no passenger side airbag or the seatbelt fails to prevent the passenger from ejection. Rear seat passengers often suffer devastating bone breaks and spinal cord injuries in Seattle rear-end collisions and t-bone accidents. Seatback failure can result in the passenger either being thrown back or being struck by a front seat that collapses on to them. In such cases, it is important to pinpoint the precise cause of the accident and the injuries.
Determining Liability for a Passenger Injury Accident
Anytime someone is injured in a car accident in Washington, a thorough investigation is needed in order to determine what caused the crash and the injuries. Drivers who are deemed under the influence of alcohol or negligent, for example, may be held responsible for the resulting injuries to any passengers. In some cases, more than one driver could be determined at fault. In cases where a passenger's injury is caused by a defective auto product such as a faulty seatback or malfunctioning airbag or seatbelt, the automaker can also be held liable.
Personal Injury Claims
A personal injury claim is a civil lawsuit that may be filed by an injured victim of a negligent car driver. Damages that may be covered include:
- Past and future suffering
- All medical expenses related to the crash
- Lost wages
- Cost of rehabilitation, medical devices, and medication
The knowledgeable Seattle personal injury attorneys at Hardwick & Pendergast have protected the rights of passengers who have been injured by a driver’s negligence for many years. Our lawyers have the experience, knowledge, and skill it takes to secure fair compensation for injured victims and their families. If you are a passenger in a Washington car crash, do not assume that you cannot receive compensation from the at-fault party or your own insurance company. Call our offices today to obtain more information about pursuing your legal rights.
Passenger Injury Recoveries
- $390,000 recovery for passenger's ankle and leg fracture in Skykomish accident.
- $372,000 recovery for passenger's fractured pelvis in Moses Lake accident.
