Can Passengers Seek Compensation if They Have Been Injured in a Car Crash?

By Hardwick & Pendergast, P.S. on May 30, 2013

If you were a passenger who sustained an injury in a Washington car accident, you have the right to seek compensation from the party or parties who caused or contributed to the crash. Even if the at-fault party is a relative or close friend, passengers are still entitled to compensation. The fact that a friend is the party responsible for the accident should not deter the injured passenger from seeking just compensation for his or her losses because all of the damages should be covered by the driver’s auto insurance policy unless he or she is uninsured or underinsured.

The other possible concern for passengers is that filing a claim will increase their friend’s insurance premium. Not all car accidents result in an increase in insurance premiums. Furthermore, if an insurance provider increases their rates because of a crash, the driver can always shop around for less expensive insurance. It is important that you, as the injured victim, are fairly and fully compensated for all your losses.

In such cases, it is critical that you do not rush into a settlement or sign papers without first talking to an experienced lawyer. Once you sign an agreement, you may not be able to claim compensation for future expenses relating to car crash passenger injuries.

A successful personal injury claim can result in financial compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, therapy costs, pain and suffering, and other related damages. The potential value of your claim will depend on the severity of your losses. Before filing a claim against your friend or accepting a settlement from an insurance company, it is important that you discuss your legal options with a knowledgeable Seattle car accident attorney at Hardwick & Pendergast, P.S.