Being injured in a car accident can result in significant financial and emotional damages. An injured passenger in traffic accidents may have several options for recovering compensation. The steps that a passenger takes after an accident can significantly impact their case. One wise decision would be to contact a Tennessee auto accident attorney as soon as possible.
Who Is Responsible for a Passenger’s Injuries?
Tennessee is a fault state for traffic accident claims. The party responsible for the accident can be liable for financial and noneconomic damages. It is crucial to determine how the accident occurred and who is responsible for the factors that led to the crash.
In most cases, one of the drivers involved in the accident caused the crash. Therefore, the passenger would file an injury claim with the insurance provider for the at-fault driver, regardless of what vehicle the passenger was in. In some cases, more than one driver may share responsibility for causing the crash. In those cases, an injured passenger may have injury claims against multiple parties.
If a defective automobile part had a role in the accident, the passenger may file a product liability claim against the manufacturer and other parties. In many cases, a thorough investigation by a Tennessee personal injury attorney is required to ensure that all responsible parties are identified so that claims may be filed against each party.
Even if a driver is not responsible, an injured passenger can file a claim against the driver’s coverage if the at-fault driver does not have enough insurance coverage to compensate the passenger fully.
Injured Passenger Claims Can Be Tricky
Filing a passenger injury claim can be challenging. Insurance companies may deny liability for a claim by stating that the other party was at fault. It can also be difficult to determine who caused the crash, especially in multiple-vehicle accidents.
To have the best chance of recovering full compensation, a passenger should take the following steps:
- Seek medical treatment as soon as possible. A passenger must be able to document their injuries to recover compensation.
- Avoid speaking to either insurance company, even the insurance company for the driver of the vehicle the passenger was riding in. A passenger should not provide any statements or sign any releases until he or she speaks with an attorney.
- Do not discuss the accident with any of the other parties, including the driver of the vehicle in which the passenger was riding.
- Before accepting a settlement, discuss the claim with a personal injury lawyer. By accepting a settlement, an injured passenger may be giving up all other claims regarding the accident.
Contact a Tennessee Personal Injury Attorney for More Information
If you are an injured passenger, a Tennessee personal injury attorney can help you determine who is responsible for the accident. Passengers rarely have fault for the cause of an accident. Contact the personal injury attorneys at Cummings Law today. You deserve to have full compensation for your damages when another party’s negligence causes your injury.
Posted in: Personal Injury