Passenger Injury Attorneys in Orange County
Have You Been Injured While Riding in a Vehicle? Call Us
Whenever we step into the passenger seat of a car, we are putting our safety in the hands of the driver. As a passenger, you have little control when it comes to preventing an accident, regardless of whether it is caused by the vehicle you’re in or another one.
If you or a loved one has been involved in an accident while riding as the passenger in a vehicle, it’s important to understand your legal options. You may be able to seek financial compensation that can help you deal with the costs of medical treatment, lost wages, and much more.
Types of Passenger Injuries
Even though you may have an airbag to soften the impact, the injuries sustained from a car accident while in the passenger seat can be severe and possibly life-threatening. Among the possible injuries you can receive as a passenger, some of the most serious include:
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Spinal cord damage
- Bone fractures
- Severe lacerations
- Head and neck injuries
- Organ damage
- Burn injuries
Filing a Claim as an Injured Passenger
Following a car accident, it’s normal for victims to start looking for ways to hold the right parties accountable. When it comes to insurance, passengers in the vehicle may be able to recover damages from either driver’s policy. Passenger injuries fall under the category of “third-party” insurance claims, coverage of which is mandatory in the state of California. Third-party insurance policies do not cover damages that are sustained by the policyholder, but rather cover injuries experienced by pedestrians, people in other vehicles, and passengers.
Regardless of whether you were a passenger of the at-fault driver, or if the other vehicle caused the accident, you can file a claim against either party’s insurance provider. While you have multiple options for seeking financial compensation after a car accident, going through the at-fault driver’s insurance provider can quickly become frustrating. Additionally, insurance companies will often offer you a settlement that is ultimately less than what you truly need to cover all the necessary expenses following an accident. A seasoned car accident attorney can help your case by reviewing medical reports, witness statements, and other evidence to not only identify the responsible parties, but also to determine the exact amount of financial compensation that you should seek.
Passenger Injuries in Private, Commercial, or Public Vehicles
Depending on the type of vehicle you are in at the time of the accident, liability could fall on several different parties. If the accident occurred in a private vehicle, you will likely file either an insurance claim or a civil suit against the individual who was at fault.
When you were the passenger of a public bus, the municipality, or really any party that owns the vehicle, has the responsibility to transport you safely to the correct destination. When an accident occurs, the organization could be held liable for any injuries sustained.
If you were a passenger in a commercial vehicle, such as a taxicab or a rideshare vehicle, most companies provide liability protection with coverage for passengers. However, this process can become needlessly complex, so it would be smartest to work with an Orange County personal injury lawyer before moving forward.
Start Getting the Legal Help You Deserve
The team at Allen Flatt Ballidis & Leslie is committed to helping anyone who sustained injuries as a passenger in a car accident recover the damages they are rightfully owed. Our legal team has helped countless victims throughout Orange County receive proper financial compensation that allowed them to get on the path towards healing. Don’t let the split-second mistake of another person cause a lifetime of difficulties. Contact our Newport Beach office today at (949) 752-7474 to get started.
Passenger Injury Verdicts and Settlements
- $550,000 - Wrongful death involving a passenger in an auto accident
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You were wonderful throughout my case. Thank you so much for taking the time to explain the process so that I could feel comfortable. When I was hurt, I really did not know where to turn and Suzanne was comforting and knowledgable. Thanks again for all you did.
- H.P.
