How much money a passenger in a car accident can get depends on the severity of their injuries and the insurance coverage the at-fault driver has. Our Charlottesville auto accident lawyer can discuss the details of your case and help evaluate your claim’s worth.
Factors that Affect How Much Money a Passenger in a Car Accident Can Get
You do not receive compensation just for being a passenger in a car accident. However, if you are injured, the driver or drivers who caused the accident are liable for compensation. The amounts you can claim depend on the nature of your injuries. You can recover money for:
- Medical treatment expenses, including future costs
- The wages you miss out on while unable to work
- Emotional trauma, pain, and suffering
- Inconvenience
If at-fault drivers have enough insurance, you may receive sufficient compensation to be financially secure during your recovery. If not, it may be necessary to claim against their personal assets or your own insurance if it makes provision for damages caused by uninsured or underinsured drivers.
For a legal consultation with a personal injury lawyer, call (434) 817-3100
Absence of Fault May Simplify Passengers’ Claims After a Car Accident
If you are a driver who is involved in a car accident, there may be arguments about who was at fault and whether you are partly to blame. While this is still important when you are a passenger, it is rare for passengers to cause accidents.
Assuming you did not do anything that contributed to the accident, we can be relatively certain that someone else is liable for your damages. However, it may still take some time to determine exactly who should pay them.
This also applies to rideshare accidents. If the driver is not to blame, the rideshare company will not compensate you. Although you likely need not fear being apportioned blame that would reduce your compensation, the accident must still be investigated so that you can claim from the correct person or company.
How Insurance Policy Limits May Affect How Much Money a Passenger in a Car Accident Can Get
Insurance policies set maximum payment limits. These may include per-person and per-accident limits. For example, if multiple people were injured in an accident, the per-accident limit may mean that each of them receives a share of the settlement up to the maximum allowed by the policy.
If more than one driver was negligent, it may be possible to claim against more than one insurance policy. This aligns with § 8.01-34, which states that people who were negligent must accept their share of liability. This may enable you to receive better compensation, even if it exceeds policy limits.
A Virginia driver who complies with the law will have some liability coverage. The DMV sets minimum insurance requirements. Those who can afford a higher level of coverage often choose to have higher limits to protect their personal assets if they are at fault in an accident.
Tips to Help You Maximize Your Settlement if You Are Injured as a Passenger in a Car Accident
Accident victims can maximize how much money a passenger in a car accident can get by following this advice:
- See a doctor as soon as you can after an accident. This applies even if you do not think you were injured. Some injuries show up later on.
- Follow your doctors’ instructions so that no one can claim you made your injuries worse than they originally were.
- Do not discuss your accident on social media. Seemingly innocent remarks can harm your case.
- Do not give insurance company agents unnecessary information. Avoid discussing your injuries with their representatives. Leave it to your lawyer.
- Do not accept an offer to settle without seeing a lawyer. Early settlement offers may be far lower than you deserve.
People who have lawyers to help with their claims almost always receive better compensation. A Virginia personal injury lawyer will be able to calculate compensation that includes non-financial damages. They will know how to negotiate with insurers to limit your chances of losing out.
How Long You May Wait for a Settlement Agreement
Car accident claims can take anything from a few months to years to settle. An experienced lawyer can often speed up the process. At the same time, a proper settlement is worth waiting for, and it may not be advisable to accept the first offer you get.
If you deserve a substantial amount of money, you can expect some pushback from insurance companies. Your case may even go to court. A lawyer with a history of winning cases should be able to help you get financing to cover your bills while you wait for your settlement, though such financing can have exorbitant interest rates and fees.
In general, the time needed depends on how much money a passenger in a car accident can get. The bigger the settlement, the longer, harder, and more worthwhile the fight may be. Although you may feel a sense of urgency, waiting can prove profitable for you.
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How to Choose a Lawyer Who Will Work to Recover a Fair Settlement
You may wonder if you can afford a lawyer to represent you. After all, you have already lost a lot of money because of your accident. A lawyer with confidence in their skill should be able to offer you a contingency fee arrangement.
That means you only pay your lawyer a percentage of your compensation if they help you get a settlement. When a lawyer accepts your case on this basis, you can be reasonably certain they think they can win.
Other elements to look for include a strong track record, including positive client reviews, and experience handling car accident injury cases. A confident lawyer should offer you a free case evaluation. Use it to “interview” your prospective lawyer and decide if you want to work with them.
Let Us Help You Achieve the Right Settlement for Your Case
We have the knowledge and skill to accurately determine how much money a passenger in a car accident can get. Our reputation precedes us. MartinWren, P.C., was recognized for securing three of Virginia’s largest verdicts in 2023.
You can count on us to recover every dollar possible, and you can rely on us for strong ethics that mean we are always open about your prospects. Though we are fierce in the courtroom, you will find that our lawyers are compassionate and accessible. Do not hesitate. Talk to us today.
Call (434) 817-3100 or complete a Case Evaluation form
