When You’re Injured As A Passenger In A Car Crash

If you’ve suffered an injury as a passenger in a car accident, it can be confusing to figure out how to recover compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. There are several options that may be available to you when filing an insurance claim. Our personal injury attorneys at Moore Law Firm understand that being injured in an accident is often a harrowing experience. Having an understanding of the law and knowing what to do after a car accident can help you recover the compensation you need and deserve.

Passenger Injury Law In Alabama

Due to the Alabama Guest Statute, recovering compensation as a passenger injured in a car accident can be challenging. Unless a driver is found to have willfully or recklessly operated a motor vehicle, the Alabama Guest Statute typically forbids a nonpaying “guest” from bringing a claim against the driver after an accident. Willful or reckless misconduct may involve distracted driving, speeding, driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and other unsafe driving practices.

This statute doesn’t apply if you’re a paying passenger in a vehicle, such as a taxicab, Uber, or Lyft. The distinction between a guest and a passenger is important in these cases, and a variety of factors may affect the official classification of someone who was injured while riding in a motor vehicle. If it can be proven that a driver was acting recklessly at the time of the accident that caused your injuries, you may be able to recover compensation from their auto insurance company. That’s why it’s critical to contact a skilled car accident attorney who’s well-versed in the law and has experience investigating and proving these types of cases.

Recovering Compensation As A Passenger Who’s Been Injured

If the driver of another car was at fault for the accident, you should be able to seek compensation from their insurance company. Depending on the circumstances, if you have your own auto insurance, you may be able to recover compensation for your medical bills and other damages from your own policy. Your health insurance may also cover some costs of medical treatment.

How A Car Accident Lawyer Can Help

As you can see, cases involving passenger injuries are complex. Recovering compensation for damages, including loss of income, pain and suffering, and emotional distress, can be virtually impossible without a seasoned attorney in your corner. If you’ve suffered catastrophic injuries, such as amputation, traumatic brain injury, or paralysis, you may require expensive, lifelong medical treatment. Regardless of the extent of your injuries, it’s vital to explore every option to get the care you need. An experienced car accident lawyer assesses your specific situation and determines the most effective approach to recover maximum compensation for your injuries.

What To Do After A Car Accident

After any car accident, getting the medical care you need should be your first priority. However, if you’re able, taking the following steps can help protect your rights and back up your personal injury claim.

• Call 911 immediately and check to see if anyone needs assistance.
• Gather contact and insurance information from all drivers who were involved.
• Collect contact information from witnesses.
• Take photos of the scene and your injuries. Write down what you can remember about the accident while it’s fresh in your mind.
• Get a copy of the police report, if possible.
• Call a personal injury attorney.

Make sure to seek medical treatment as soon as possible and save all the bills you receive, even if you believe your injuries are minor. Symptoms of more serious injury may not appear until days or weeks later. Don’t give a statement, accept a settlement offer, or sign anything from an insurance company until you’ve spoken with a car accident attorney. Although an offer may seem generous, it’s important to remember that insurance companies don’t have your best interests at heart. Personal injury lawyers are familiar with tactics insurers often use to deny or minimize personal injury claims. They’ll fight to protect your rights and work to recover the maximum compensation to which you’re entitled.

Contact An Auto Accident Attorney

If you’ve been injured as a passenger in a car crash, you don’t have to go it alone. Call Moore Law Firm today at 251-445-7602 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation with a Mobile car accident lawyer.