Passenger in a Car Accident

Injured as a Passenger in a Car Accident?

Every day, we hear from victims of car accidents. More often than not, the passengers involved in these accidents suffer similar – if not more severe – injuries than the drivers themselves. Yet, most passengers aren't even aware that they're entitled to compensation for their injuries after a crash.

We know just how complex car accidents can be – especially if you were just the passenger. With a little information, you'll understand what happens and who's responsible for your bills when you're injured as a passenger in a car accident.

Who is Held Responsible?

We often hear from injured passengers who worry about suing their friend or loved one that was driving the car. This is a common mistake passengers make, because you won't "sue" your friends and family, rather you'll be taking your claim against their insurance company.

In Pennsylvania, car insurance is required on every vehicle. It's there to protect friends, family members, and strangers in the event of car accidents. You'd be collecting money from the car insurance company, not your friends or loved ones. If you're worried that their policy rates will increase, that typically happens after an accident anyway.

There are few factors that determine who's responsible after a car accident. Since every situation is unique, it's best to understand who your claim might go against.

Your Auto Insurance Policy

Typically, if you're the passenger in an accident and have your own car insurance coverage, your policy would pay for your medical expenses up to the limits of your coverage. This also applies to anyone covered by your policy, including your children, spouse, etc.

The Driver's Auto Insurance

If you don't have an auto insurance policy of your own, you will be covered by the driver's insurance if you're hurt as a passenger in their car. Regardless of who's determined to be at fault, the driver's insurance of the vehicle you occupied during the accident will pay for your medical expenses up to the limits of their insurance policy.

Your Health Insurance

After you reach the limits of your own insurance policy – or the limits of the driver's insurance policy – your health insurance will pay for your medical costs. However, many private medical insurers have something called "subrogation rights." This means that if you settle a case, they might require you to pay back your medical costs.

We will fight to get you the money you deserve and prevent the insurance company from taking your settlement in subrogation.

Don't Hesitate – There May Be Time Limits

Pennsylvania Statute of Limitations

Statutes of limitations restrict the time period that a person can file a lawsuit.

A personal injury action must be filed within two years of the date when the injury occurred.

However, there is a "discovery rule," which, in limited cases, extends the time for filing a personal injury action.

View Full Statute

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Otherwise known as statutes of limitations, there are time limits in which you must file your injury claim. Don't hesitate – evidence can disappear quickly – so make sure you contact us right away.

What We Can Do for You

If you were injured as a passenger in a car accident, we can help you get the money you deserve for your injuries. When you hire our law firm, we'll get to work for you by:

• Sending Investigators to Collect Evidence
• Hiring Experts to Prove Your Case
• Standing up to Aggressive Insurance Companies
• Never Changing Hourly Attorney Fees
• Covering Your Upfront Costs
• Helping You Plan for Unexpected Expenses
• And Much More

For more information, visit our pages about Passenger Accident Steps and Passenger Injury FAQs.

Call Us For a Free Legal Consultation

When you call our experienced legal professionals, we'll determine if you have a case. We'll answer your legal questions and handle the hassles, so you can focus on feeling better.

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