What Passengers Need To Know If They’re Involved In An Accident

If you are a passenger in a California car accident, you’re probably covered by the at-fault driver’s bodily injury liability insurance and PIP. Depending on the details, the passengers in a car accident can file an injury claim with their driver’s insurance company, the other driver’s insurance company, or their own insurance company. No matter what, passengers must take the necessary steps to be prepared to file an injury claim after a car accident.

What To Do If You Are a Passenger in a Car Accident and You Are Injured:

Navigating the claims process following a California car accident is difficult, but navigating an accident claim can be even more complex and confusing if you are a passenger in a California car accident. It’s important to realize that you don’t have to do it alone. Working with an experienced, local car accident attorney can significantly improve your chances of successfully resolving your claim with less difficulty.

If You are a Passenger Injured in a California Car Accident:

1. Get to Safety: Get out of the car and find a safe spot on the side of the road far from traffic flow unless you can’t leave the vehicle.
2. Call 911: Advise the authorities that you have been in an accident (and if you cannot leave the vehicle, advise them that you are trapped inside the car).
3. Await Emergency Responders
4. Take Care of Any Medical Needs: Allow medical personnel to evaluate your injuries and follow treatment recommendations.
5. Visit a Medical Facility: If you do not leave the scene in an ambulance, visit an emergency room or urgent care facility as soon as possible.

If You Are in a California Car Accident & You Don’t Think You’re Injured:

If you are in a California car accident and don’t think you are injured, you must still follow up with your primary care physician soon after the incident. Many common injuries that occur during a car accident do not show symptoms for days or even weeks after an event. However, a qualified medical professional can identify injuries. Documentation of a visit to a medical professional soon after an accident is essential if you eventually need to file a personal injury claim.

Seeking Legal Help As a Passenger in a Car Accident:

If you are a passenger in a car accident and you are injured, you should first seek medical treatment. Second, you should address your legal needs. Finding an experienced local car accident attorney soon after the incident can significantly help. Avoid making any statements about the car accident to the insurance company or the drivers involved in the accident until after you retain an attorney. When the insurance company is notified of your attorney’s name and contact information, they no longer contact you regarding the accident or claim. Once they’re told of your attorney’s contact info, they must discuss the case with your lawyer, which protects you against accidentally saying something that could harm your chances of a successful injury claim.

How to File a Claim as a Passenger in a California Car Accident:

Your California car accident attorney can help you file a claim after the accident. Since insurance companies do everything they can to minimize their payouts, working with an experienced attorney can significantly benefit your claim by helping determine who is at fault for the accident and the extent of the damages.

If you are an injured passenger and need to file a California car accident claim, you want Moss Bollinger, Sherman Oaks, California personal injury attorney, on your side. He’s dedicated to protecting and asserting the rights of his clients. Call (310) 982-2291 today for a free consultation or contact us online.