Sometimes, people cannot always drive themselves to get to where they need to be. Many people climb into the passenger seat of a trusted vehicle for a ride. This may be a friend, family member, or taxi. Typically, this is done without any concern or worry about risking their life. However, it is always important to be cautious of a driver before entering their vehicle. If the driver acts negligently behind the wheel, it can cause an accident. This can severely injure any passengers in the car and impact the rest of their lives.
In these situations, the injured passenger may wish to hold the driver responsible for negligence. In doing so, they may be eligible to receive compensation for any damages incurred during the accident.
What to Do After an Accident
When a person is involved in a car accident, it is crucial to seek medical attention immediately. In addition to this, law enforcement should be contacted to report the accident. This allows the documentation process to begin and determine any acts of negligence. During this time, it is possible to establish any witnesses to the accident to document what they saw.
Even though accidents are not always caused by negligence, it is a possibility that must be looked into. The injured passenger must prove that one or more parties involved in the accident were negligent, thus causing the accident. There are many different forms of driver negligence that can cause an accident to occur. This may include:
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Reckless driving or speeding
- Carelessness
- Drowsy driving
- Texting and driving
Recovering Damages
When a party is found negligent in creating an accident, they may be responsible for providing compensation towards the injured party. This may be for their physical, emotional, and financial burdens that occurred as a result of the accident. Because injured passengers may suffer different types of trauma, they may be eligible to receive economic and non-economic damages.
Economic damages exist to cover the financial burdens that were caused during the accident. This can consist of the injured party’s medical expenses, lost wages, lost future wages, medical equipment, and any possible outside help. Non-economic damages provide the injured party with compensation for any nonfinancial burdens. This can consist of emotional distress and loss of independence as well as pain and suffering the individual may face. If the accident resulted in the death of the passenger, their family may be able to recover compensation for wrongful death.
Contact Us
If you or someone you know was injured as a result of a drugged driving accident and wish to speak with an experienced attorney, contact Lawrence C. Hill & Associates, LTD. today.
