What to Do if You Are Injured as a Passenger in a Georgia Car Accident

As Georgia car accident lawyers, every day we speak to injured drivers seeking compensation after being involved in car accidents they didn't cause. Many of these people are passengers who were not even driving the vehicle at the time of the accident. A passenger who has been injured in a car accident might wonder who they should turn to for help paying for medical expenses.

Injuries sustained in an automobile accident may be compensated differently depending on who is ultimately at fault. Nevertheless, insurance companies might not have the same view on their responsibilities even when the situation initially seems clear-cut.

Obtaining justice for an injured passenger may require multiple injury claims. When you are involved in a car accident in Atlanta, the Georgia personal injury attorneys of Broughton Accident & Injury Lawyers are here to help you.

Determining Who is at Fault

Vehicle drivers are responsible for their passengers in Georgia car accidents. The law requires drivers on Georgia roads to exercise reasonable care to avoid endangering other road users, including passengers.

When an accident results from a driver's negligence or carelessness, that driver is responsible if they cause an injury. Injury victims in Georgia are entitled to specific compensation under civil law.

People who are injured in car accidents usually seek compensation for their injuries from the driver who was at fault, which is typically paid by the driver's auto insurance policy.

The minimum liability insurance requirement for Georgia drivers is $25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident, with $25,000 coverage for property damage. In addition, drivers can purchase insurance with higher coverage amounts.

Insurance companies will provide compensation only if you can demonstrate that their policyholder's negligence caused your injuries. Several pieces of evidence, such as a police report and medical records, will likely be needed if an insurance adjuster disputes your initial claim.

Don't let the insurance company pay you less than you deserve. It's their job to pay for the medical bills and suffering of injured victims under their policy. It's best to work with an attorney and file a personal injury lawsuit. A lawsuit outlines your demands and the evidence to support your compensation claim.

A personal injury attorney with experience can perform a detailed car accident case review and build a solid case. As part of a contingency fee arrangement, your attorney will cover the upfront costs of your accident claim. In such an arrangement, your lawyer receives a percentage of any money recovered as a fee. Clients are not charged a fee if they do not recover compensation.

You probably won't hesitate to seek compensation if the "other driver" is at fault. But, you may feel differently about suing a friend or relative if the driver you were riding with caused the accident. Keep in mind that you're not suing your friend or relative; you're suing their insurance company.

They pay their insurance company monthly to cover expenses in case of an accident. It is for this reason that liability insurance exists. Unfortunately, accidents are bound to happen, and insurance covers people injured in accidents.

It is sometimes appropriate to file claims against both drivers involved in an accident if both are responsible for the accident. In addition, a third party could also share liability, such as an establishment that served alcohol to an underage person or someone driving as part of their job duties.

Does My GA Car Insurance Cover Me as a Passenger in Another Car?

UM/UIM coverage (uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage) can be purchased in addition to liability insurance, and protects victims when drivers do not have auto insurance or do not have enough insurance to cover losses.

A car accident passenger might have UM/UIM coverage, through which they can obtain compensation for medical expenses over the at-fault driver's limits. UM/UIM may also cover a hit-and-run accident. Additionally, your health insurance may cover medical costs if you are injured as a passenger.

In the event of a successful lawsuit against the at-fault driver, your health insurance company may legally demand repayment. This is called "subrogation of a claim."

A vehicle insurance company could sue the insurance company of the other driver in the event you fail to file a claim against the at-fault driver. Depending on the amount of expenses paid on your behalf, your insurer would decide whether it is worthwhile to seek reimbursement from the at-fault driver's insurer.

What to Do After A Car Accident That Was Not Your Fault in Georgia

Following a car accident, these steps can help you protect your rights:

• Get medical care – See a doctor as soon as possible to ensure your health. It is also important to get treatment right away after a crash so that you can document your injuries and prove they happened in the wreck.
• Keep your doctor's appointments – Not following doctor's orders or failing to keep follow-up appointments could be seen as proof that you weren't badly injured and are not entitled to compensation.
• Get evidence – Pictures taken at the scene of the accident and contact information for witnesses can be helpful when proving your claim. Make sure you get a copy of the police report. Document any injuries, treatments, and time off from work.
• Be wary of insurance adjusters – Be cautious when dealing with insurance companies. It's best to avoid them altogether until you speak with a lawyer. If you have been injured, don't give a recorded statement or answer any questions. Be wary of settlement offers. Even if it sounds good at the time, it's probably much too low to cover your actual costs.
• Speak with an attorney – A lawyer can assess your case and advise you on how to proceed during a free initial consultation. A law firm has the resources required to secure the damages you are entitled to if you file a claim.

Talk To an Atlanta, GA, Car Accident Lawyer

Our accident attorneys have recovered millions of dollars in compensation for auto accident victims. Count on our 30+ years of experience and determination to successfully pursue your injury claim. Contact us now by calling 404-842-7700 or visiting our contact page.