How To Handle An Injury Claim As A Passenger
It's often assumed that in the event of a collision if one person is injured then everyone is injured. However, this scenario isn't always the case. If you were a passenger during a vehicle collision where the driver was not injured but you were, you know the truth behind this statement all too well.
Determine Your Claim Options
As a passenger of the vehicle, you have three different routes you can take to file a claim. One option is to file a claim against your insurance or to file a claim against the driver's insurance that caused the accident and to initiate a claim against the insurance company of the driver of the car you were riding in.
Your own insurance company should be your last resort and should only be called on if the other driver is uninsured. Start by filing a claim with the negligent driver's insurance and use the other driver's policy as a backup option.
File a Separate Claim
Although the driver of the vehicle might not have been injured, they will likely have a damage claim that they need to submit. When it comes to insurance claims, it's important to understand that each person must submit their own claim. Just because the driver of the vehicle you were riding in filed a claim for damages, they cannot include a request for compensation for your injuries. You will need to file a claim on your own behalf. Even if the driver is your spouse or parent, you still have to file your own claim.
Don't Discuss Your Injuries
Make sure you don't discuss the details of your injuries with anyone else in the vehicle, especially if they are submitting their own claim. If you tell someone too much information, they might inadvertently discuss the details of your case with the insurance company. If you are filing a claim with the same company, there is a chance this information could be used against you.
For instance, if you only mentioned that you hurt your foot to your friend when, in fact, you injured your arm too, the insurance company might bring up the misinformation later, if it's shared with them. The best way to protect yourself is to keep the details of your injuries and your case between your doctors and your attorney.
When it comes to an accident claim, it does not matter if you are not the driver. If you are injured, you might still have a valid claim for compensation. Speak with a personal injury attorney for more information.
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