Compensation Options for Injured Passengers

Car accidents are an unfortunate reality that continue to cause significant property damage and often-serious injuries to those involved. If a driver is injured, he or she must be able to prove who caused the accident before filing an accident claim.

However, if a passenger is injured, it is much easier for him or her to reach a successful settlement, because the drivers are almost always at fault. In fact, depending on the circumstances of the accident, the passenger has a number of options when it comes to collecting compensation.

When a passenger is injured in a car accident, that person may file a claim against any of the drivers involved, if their unsafe or irresponsible driving contributed to the accident. The following are examples of accident scenarios, and how the injured passenger may proceed with the claims process:

Liability Involving Multiple Drivers

If a car was making a left turn and was hit by an oncoming vehicle, injuring the passenger of the turning vehicle, he or she may sue the drivers of both vehicles if they were negligent in some way.

For example, if the driver making the left turn cut off the other driver, and the oncoming vehicle was speeding, or texting while driving, both drivers would be considered at fault. The drivers’ insurance companies will determine which driver was more at fault, and the compensation you can expect to receive from each.

Anytime a passenger has been injured in an accident involving more than one vehicle, he or she must sue the at-fault drivers in the same lawsuit, in order to avoid inconsistencies. Avoid suing one driver after you have settled a claim with another driver, and make sure that the settlement received from one driver is fair, assuming there will be no compensation from the other driver.

Liability Involving One Driver

If a passenger was injured in a rear-end collision, the driver who rear-ended the vehicle ahead of him is almost always considered to be at fault. Whether the car in front was stationary or slowing down, it is the responsibility of the driver behind to maintain a safe distance from the car it is following.

When it comes to seeking recovery for injuries, the passenger’s options are somewhat limited to filing a claim against the tailing driver. The passenger may also file a claim with the insurance company of the driver who was hit, which is known as a third-party claim. The insurance companies representing these two parties can decide who will be responsible for issuing a settlement check.

Baltimore Car Accident Lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton Seek Compensation for Injured Passengers

If you have been injured in a car accident, and you were in the passenger seat or the back seat of the vehicle, contact the Baltimore car accident lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton. We will walk you through the claims process and thoroughly explain compensation options that are available to you. Our team is dedicated to protecting your legal rights and securing the maximum financial compensation you deserve for your injuries. To schedule a free, confidential consultation, call us today at 800-547-4LAW (4529) or contact us online.

Our offices are located in Baltimore, Columbia, Glen Burnie, and Towson, allowing us to represent car accident victims in Maryland, including those in Anne Arundel County, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Harford County, Howard County, Montgomery County, Maryland’s Western Counties, Prince George’s County, Queen Anne’s County, Southern Maryland, and the Eastern Shore, as well as the communities of Catonsville, Essex, Halethorpe, Middle River, Rosedale, Gwynn Oak, Brooklandville, Dundalk, Pikesville, Nottingham, Windsor Mill, Lutherville, Timonium, Sparrows Point, Ridgewood, and Elkridge.