When you are riding in a vehicle as the passenger, and suddenly the vehicle is involved in an accident in which you got hurt, you may wonder if you have any rights. Most people will have insurance that helps protect the vehicle and the driver if they are involved in an accident, but what about a passenger? When you are the passenger and you were injured in a car wreck, you do have rights and deserve proper coverage for your injuries. Lastimado Texas will share how a passenger who is involved and injured in a car accident or collision has the same rights and coverage as the driver.
Can You Claim as a Passenger in a Car Accident?
As a passenger, perhaps you were riding with a co-worker, friend or family member and you suddenly find yourself in a car accident and even injured. It is important to know and understand your rights. Car accidents or collisions occur every day. Those accidents include solo drivers and as well as passengers. When injured as the passenger, you may not be able to return to work due to your injuries or find yourself spending days in the hospital and deep in medical debt. As a passenger you are equally entitled to proper coverage just as are the drivers.
What Type of Insurance Covers Passengers?
The State of Texas is a passenger’s right state, if the passenger was not to blame for the accident or collision. Because Texas is an “at-fault” car insurance state, the driver who caused the accident is required to pay for damages for all injured passengers. This mean the passengers can file a direct claim against the at fault driver’s insurance company. If the insurance wants to deny or not pay a fair amount, you can also file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver’s insurance company. There are a number of types of insurance coverage and compensation that can apply to an injured passenger during an accident or collision. Some of these coverages can include:
• At-Fault Driver’s Bodily Liability Coverage: All drivers in the State of Texas are required to have a bodily injury protection coverage. When a driver causes an accident this coverage will pay for any injuries sustained by victims of the crash which includes passengers.
• Driver’s Medical Payment Coverage: Driver’s medical payments coverage pays for a driver and their passenger’s medical bills regardless as to who is at fault during a car wreck or accident. If you have medical payment coverage on your records, even as the passenger who was injured during the time of the accident or collision, you can file a claim with your own insurance company.
• Driver’s Personal Injury Protection Coverage (PIP): Similar to medical payment coverage, PIP coverage applies regardless to who is at fault. PIP not only covers medical expenses, but it also covers loss of wages and other non-medical expenses.
• Person Health Insurance: If injured as a passenger, and you require medical care, your own personal health insurance coverage should aid in covering your medical bills.
Personal Injury Attorneys in Dallas, TX (Just Minutes from Carrollton, Richardson, Farmers Branch, Garland, Irving, Mesquite, Grand Prairie, Duncanville, Hutchins & DeSoto, Texas)
If you find you are not receiving help when you were injured as a passenger in a car accident, you can file a lawsuit. You were injured and now have medical expenses, potential lost wages and you need help. Contact Lastimado Texas today and get the help you need!
