What If You’re Injured as a Passenger in a Car Accident Located in Brevard County?
Were you injured in a car accident while a passenger? If so, you may have the right to significant compensation from the negligent party that hurt you. This might include several parties, including the driver of the car you were in, another vehicle, and much more. Passengers have just as many rights as drivers on the road to be safe from harm and others’ negligent actions.
At High Stack Law, our team of Brevard County car accidents lawyers have represented drivers and passengers for decades. We know how to analyze your claim and seek the full measure of compensation you deserve. Schedule a consultation to get started.
Car Accidents and Injuries to Passengers
When discussing accidents and liability, most people first think of the injured driver. But their passengers can be just as badly hurt, or worse. Sometimes it is the driver of the vehicle you were in that caused the accident. The injuries you suffer are just as important as anything the driver suffered.
Common passenger injuries after a car accident often include, but are not limited to:
- Broken bones and fractures
- Whiplash
- Seat belt and air bag injuries
- Vision and hearing damage
- Concussions and traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord damage and paralysis
- Loss of limb or amputations
- Burns, lacerations, and other skin damage
- Death
These injuries and more can be incredibly serious, expensive to treat, and cause a great deal of pain and suffering.
Who Is Liable for Passenger Injuries in Florida?
A negligent party that caused the accident is financially responsible for a passenger’s injuries and damages. Negligence occurs when a party has a duty of care towards a person, breaches that duty, the breach caused the accident, and the passenger suffered damages. Any negligent person may be liable to the passenger.
Drivers
Commonly, another driver is responsible for the accident. Imagine you are a passenger is a car that is rear-ended by a distracted driver. You suffer serious back and neck injuries as a result. The driver of the other car caused the accident, and should be financially liable for your injuries.
It is also possible for the driver of the car you were in to be negligent. Perhaps the driver of your vehicle failed to check their blind spot or signal before changing lanes. Any injuries you sustained from that negligent decision should be paid by the driver of the car you were in because they were responsible for the accident.
Insurance Companies
Drivers are required to carry automobile insurance. As an injured passenger, you can seek compensation from the driver’s insurance carrier. This may occur through filing a claim in the ordinary insurance process. If paid, it may end there.
If the insurance company refuses to pay a valid claim, they can be added to a personal injury lawsuit. Your attorney can help determine when and if this is the best strategy to collect from an insurance company.
A Driver’s Employer
If a driver causes an accident while working in the course of their employment, the employer may also be financially liable for the accident. This legal doctrine is known as respondeat superior, which simply means that the employer can be responsible for the negligent actions of their employees.
This is especially common in accidents with semi-trucks, delivery drivers, or even ride-sharing drivers. However, many other situations may allow you to seek compensation from a driver’s employer. This can provide a much better source of compensation, especially in very serious injury cases.
Seek Assistance After a Passenger Injury Car Accident in Brevard County, FL
The dedicated team High Stack Law knows how to protect passenger rights and seek the financial compensation they deserve.