As a passenger, you have many of the same rights you would have as a driver of the vehicle in a car accident. In fact, as a passenger, asserting your rights may come with greater ease since liability is generally not an issue for an injured passenger.
Many passengers do not take advantage of the rights provided by law and are left financially devastated. Exercising your rights as a passenger will help prevent you from being financially overcome by someone else’s negligence.
Texas law requires drivers to pay for the accidents they cause because of their negligence. Before you can file a claim, it is first important to determine who caused the wreck. Proving fault plays a major role in determining how to proceed with your case. Depending on the circumstances of the accident, a passenger may recover compensation from:
- The driver of the vehicle who caused the wreck – whether that be the driver of another vehicle or the driver of the vehicle you’re in;
- Both drivers (if they share liability); or
- Your own uninsured/underinsured coverage if the at-fault driver does not carry adequate liability insurance.
Additionally, Texas law requires insurance companies to offer personal injury protection (PIP) coverage as part of auto insurance policies. PIP helps cover injuries to passengers and provides payments for lost income, regardless of who was at fault.
If the at-fault drivers insurance company refuses to provide you with fair compensation for your injuries and other losses, you have a right to file a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver and their insurer.
If you or someone you know has been injured in a motor vehicle accident, please contact an attorney at Abraham, Watkins, Nichols, Agosto, Aziz & Stogner by calling 713-396-3964 or toll free at 800-594-4884“>1-800-594-4884.