Injured Passenger

Getting into another person’s vehicle so they can give you a ride usually doesn’t seem like a big deal. It also doesn’t seem as though you are putting your life at risk, especially when the person who is driving is a trusted family member or friend. Regardless of whether the driver is a friend or family, or a hired driver for a taxi, it is important to be cautious of the driver. If the passenger becomes injured in an accident as a result of driver negligence, there is a lot to consider. The injured passenger may be suffering from life-altering injuries and therefore, may be entitled to compensation for the various burdens that these injuries cause. If you have been injured as a passenger in an accident, it is important to retain strong legal representation. Contact Lawrence C. Hill & Associates today to discuss your situation.

Upon being injured in a motor vehicle accident, a passenger should get the medical attention they require. In addition, the accident should be reported to local law enforcement because it allows the documentation process of the accident, negligence, and injuries to begin. It can also help determine if there were any witnesses to the accident, which can be very helpful later on. The injured party may be required to prove that there was negligence by one or more of the parties involved and that this negligence ultimately caused the accident. There are a number of different forms of driver negligence, some of which include the following:

  • Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
  • Reckless driving or speeding
  • Texting and driving
  • General carelessness
  • Drowsy driving

Though accidents aren’t always caused by negligence, it is one of the major factors that must be assessed. The party that was negligent will be responsible for providing compensation for the injured party’s physical, emotional, and financial burdens that were caused by the accident.

As mentioned, an injured passenger may be entitled to compensation when they are involved in an accident. Compensation that is recovered after an accident is referred to as damages and it exists to offset some of the financial and nonfinancial burdens that were caused. Economic damages exist to reimburse the injured party for their medical expenses, lost wages, lost future wages, medical equipment and the need to hire outside help. Noneconomic damages provide compensation for the emotional distress, loss of independence, and pain and suffering that the injured party may have faced as a result of the accident. If the accident resulted in death, the family of the victim may be able to recover compensation for wrongful death, which can cover funeral expenses.

  • $25,000 per person for bodily injury
  • $50,000 per accident for bodily injury
  • $20,000 for property damage per accident
Of course, if a person chooses to do so, they may purchase additional coverage. Nevada offers an option to purchase MedPay, which acts as a no-fault policy that covers injuries to drivers and their passengers. In addition, it pays the medical expenses for pedestrian accidents.