Obtaining Compensation If You Were Injured as a Passenger
If you were a passenger injured in a car accident, you might be eligible to sue for damages. Determining liability is not always straightforward in an auto accident, so your attorney might conduct an independent investigation to determine who can be held legally accountable for your injuries.
At Richard Schwartz & Associates, P.A., we provide dedicated representation for passengers who were injured in car accidents throughout Mississippi. Our lawyers are second-to-none, having helped countless injury victims obtain the compensation they need to fully recover. If you were injured as a passenger, contact our office at 601-988-8888 to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation.
Who Can I Sue If I Was Injured as a Passenger?
In Mississippi, all drivers are required to use "reasonable care" when operating a vehicle. If you were injured as a passenger due to an accident caused by the driver's failure to use "reasonable care," then they might be liable for your injuries.
Parties that you may be able to sue if you were injured as a passenger:
- The driver
- Another motorist
- The employer of an at-fault driver (if they were driving within the course of work)
- An auto parts manufacturer
- A government entity
It is rare that a passenger can be held responsible for their injuries in a car accident. However, if you are found partially responsible for the accident, you may still be able to obtain compensation from another liable party. Your compensation may be reduced in proportion to your percentage of the fault.
How Much Money Can I Recover After a Car Accident as a Passenger?
There are several factors that may be used to determine how much money you will recover if you are injured as a passenger. The compensation you receive is generally based on the amount of your damages. Other things, such as whether you were partially to blame for the accident and the at-fault driver’s insurance policy, may also impact the amount of money you can recover.
Damages in a car accident claim may include compensation for your:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Loss of future earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Disability or disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of consortium
According to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), there were over 3,500 accident-related serious injuries and 772 fatalities in a single year. Serious injuries and deaths often result in tens of thousands of dollars in damages for a family. Filing a claim can help ensure that you receive the money you need to cover all of your accident-related losses.
What Should I Do If I Am Injured As a Passenger?
If you are injured as a passenger in an auto accident, you need to act fast to protect your right to recovery. Under Mississippi’s statute of limitations, you only have three years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit based on personal injury.
The accident must be reported to the Mississippi Department of Public Safety. Once it is reported you may be able to obtain a copy of the crash report. It is in your best interest to speak with a car accident attorney as soon as possible. An attorney can help determine the steps you need to take to protect yourself.
Injured as a Passenger? Contact Our Office.
Were you injured as a passenger in a car accident? Contact our office at 601-988-8888 to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation. It only takes one call to get the help you need.
