Car accidents happen every day on our crowded Southern California roads. Many times, these
accidents cause injuries to both drivers and passengers. As a passenger, you may be wondering what your rights are if you are injured in a car accident.
If you or a loved one has been injured as a passenger in a car accident, you deserve to have a
trusted Southern California car accident lawyer work to protect your rights. At Steinberg Injury
Lawyers, we have the experience you need to help you make a full and complete recovery.
Your Rights as a Passenger
As a passenger, you may know the driver of the vehicle and you might not want to bring a claim
against them. But remember you’re not bringing a claim against them personally - you’re suing
their insurance company. Taking this step allows you to make sure your rights are protected and
you receive the compensation you need to get better.
The driver’s insurance company is liable for your injuries so be sure you don’t file a claim with
your own insurance company or your rates will increase. Because the driver caused the
accident, it’s their insurance company which should be paying your medical bills, not you.
What if the Diver is Uninsured?
There are drivers out there who are uninsured, and you may have been a passenger to one without even knowing it. If this happens, you may not know what to do if you are injured in a car accident.
If you were injured in a car accident as a passenger and the driver was insured, your insurance should have uninsured motorist coverage. You can then submit a claim against your own insurance company.
In some cases, your insurance company may try to avoid paying you. This is why you should hire a respected car accident attorney so you can get the compensation you need to get better. As a passenger, you were not responsible for your injuries, and you should not have to pay for the damage.
Before you speak to your insurance company, give Steinberg Injury Lawyers a call and let us review your policy and negotiate on your behalf. Do not sign any documents, or give your insurance company any information before speaking to an attorney.
How to Ensure Your Safety as a Passenger
As a passenger, you do not have control over the actions of the driver, but there are still steps you can take to remain as safe as possible. Your actions can help keep you and the driver safe while on your journey. Here are some tips to help you stay safe while riding along:
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Always wear your seat belt
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Do not distract the driver
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Point out obstacles ahead the driver may not see
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Be the one to control the GPS, radio, or air conditioning
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Never drive with someone who is intoxicated or impaired
Common Car Accident Injuries
Car accidents cause a wide range of injuries. Some are severe and life-threatening, while others
are much less traumatic. All car accident injuries, however, take time to heal.
Common injuries include:
● Burns
● Cuts and lacerations
● Broken bones
● Traumatic brain injuries
● Spinal cord injuries
● Paralysis
Regardless of the type of car accident you were in, your injuries can be so severe that it
requires a lifetime of medical care and attention. This type of care is not cheap and you should
not be forced to pay out of your own pocket for the injuries you did not cause.
Getting Compensation for Your Injuries
The first step to getting compensation for your injuries is to speak with a trusted Southern
California car accident attorney. No matter how badly you’re injured, you shouldn’t be paying for
your recovery. To help you get the best chance of maximizing your compensation, you need a
car accident lawyer with experience.
At Steinberg Injury Lawyers, our goal is to make sure you make a full and complete recovery. We do that by aggressively fighting to get you compensation for:
● Pain and suffering
● Emotional distress
● Medical expenses
● Lost wages
● Loss of companionship
To help you focus on your recovery, we take the legal stress off your shoulders. You don’t need
to worry about your medical bills or about your personal injury claim.
Contact a Trusted Car Accident Lawyer
A Southern California car accident lawyer can make the difference in your case. We’ll meet with
you and investigate your claim. We’ll also negotiate with the insurance company to help
maximize your settlement. We do all of this at no cost to you. We only get paid when you win.
Contact us today for a free, no-obligation evaluation of your case to see how we can help you
move forward and get back on your feet.