The passenger in a car accident can sue the driver of the vehicle they were in, another motorist involved in the incident, a rideshare company, or other parties. Speak with a personal injury lawyer with relevant car accident case experience if you’re a passenger who wants to sue following an auto crash.
Your attorney can help you seek compensation from any liable parties. For instance, a car accident lawyer in Long Island could get you money from the insurance company of the party liable for your auto collision. Alternatively, they can guide you through the process for a passenger to sue someone after a car accident.
If I Was a Passenger in a Car Accident, Who Do I Sue?
The party liable for your auto accident depends on who was involved and the circumstances of the incident. Your auto collision attorney will investigate the crash.
Based on what your lawyer finds, they will let you know who you can sue as a passenger in a car accident. Parties that may have to compensate you for your accident losses include:
- The driver of your car: Just because the driver of your car was traveling on black ice or made other mistakes behind the wheel that led to your accident doesn’t mean that they can skirt responsibility for the incident. If this motorist acted carelessly or recklessly, they can be held liable for your accident losses.
- The other driver: A driver doesn’t yield the right of way at a blind intersection or commits another negligent act, and due to this, causes your accident. In this situation, the motorist who chose to violate their duty of care to you and others could have to compensate you for the harm that they’ve caused.
- Third parties: Uber, Lyft, car manufacturers, government entities, and other parties outside of the motorists involved in your accident can be responsible for your losses from the incident.
Consult with a personal injury attorney if you’re wondering how to get more money from a car accident settlement as a passenger in an auto collision.
Your lawyer will explain your legal options in the aftermath of your auto collision. They can provide insights into what can happen if you decide to sue as a passenger in an auto accident.
Factors to Consider When Suing as a Passenger
Ask for legal help if you want to sue as a passenger in an auto crash. Partner with an auto collision lawyer who has helped past clients achieve outstanding case results.
Your attorney will teach you about the factors that can help you determine if now is the right time to file an auto accident lawsuit, such as:
- Liability: Your attorney will help you identify any parties liable for your auto accident. If two drivers contributed to your case, you could request compensation from both.
- No–fault insurance coverage: New York motorists are required to have no-fault car insurance, which can cover the losses of passengers who suffer losses in auto collisions. Your lawyer can provide consumer FAQs about no-fault insurance and other resources and, if necessary, negotiate a settlement with a liable party’s insurer on your behalf.
- Evidence: Accident scene photos, police reports, witness statements, and other evidence can make a difference relative to the success of your case. Your lawyer will collect proof to use in your case against any parties responsible for your car accident.
- Statute of limitations: New York has a three-year statute of limitations for most personal injury cases. Your lawyer can file your auto accident lawsuit in alignment with New York law.
- Suing a family member or friend: If you are a passenger in a car driven by a family member or friend, suing this individual for compensatory damages can have far-reaching effects on your relationship with them. Your attorney will help you assess the short- and long-term implications of filing a car accident lawsuit against a family member or friend.
Your attorney can give you information about how fault is determined in a car accident and the steps to take if you want to sue as a passenger in an auto collision. They can also evaluate your auto accident losses and position you to secure fair compensation for them.
How Much Can I Sue for as a Passenger in a Car Collision?
The compensation you receive if you file a lawsuit as a passenger in a car accident will vary based on your quantifiable and subjective losses.
Your car accident attorney will calculate your economic and non-economic damages. From here, they may advise you to request damages for several reasons, including:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Diminished earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Your attorney can negotiate a settlement with a liable party. At the same time, they can prepare your case if it goes to trial. Your lawyer will describe what a trial entails, ensuring that you can enter the courtroom feeling confident about your case.
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Get Legal Help if You’re a Passenger Who Wants to Sue After a Car Accident
You can sue if you’re a passenger in a car accident, but doing so offers no guarantees. Thankfully, you have access to legal help. Car accident lawyers can submit your compensation request and build your case for compensatory damages.
Levine And Wiss has obtained hundreds of millions of dollars in compensation for our clients. Trust our car accident attorneys to help you if you’re a passenger who’s interested in suing after an auto collision. Contact us today for more information.
