Car accidents are stressful enough as they are, but they become even more traumatizing when you’re the passenger. You’re not in control of the car so you have no way to steer it to safety, putting you firmly at the mercy of both drivers.
David I. Fuchs, Accident & Injury Lawyer, has over three decades of experience helping car accident victims make sense of the physical, emotional, and financial aftermath of ca crash. His intricate understanding of Florida’s driving laws have proven him to be a strong ally in the courtroom, and his clients’ testimonials show it.
If you were a passenger injured in a collision, you may be entitled to financial compensation. However, you’ll need a seasoned lawyer who has the legal knowledge and people skills to bring your case to justice.
Common Passenger Injuries in Auto Accidents
Car accidents are grim events, no matter how minor they are. This means that even the relatively less serious injuries can still be pretty painful. Passengers and drivers are also just as likely to suffer the same injuries.
Minor injuries that a passenger sustains in a car accident could be cuts, scrapes, bruises, muscle strains, and sprains, pelvic injuries, broken teeth, and whiplash. The more serious injuries include traumatic brain damage, concussions, broken bones, a crushed larynx, and trachea, or paralysis.
As you can see, car accidents are no small matter, regardless of how serious the accident is.
Does PIP Cover Passengers in Florida?
State law requires all drivers to have personal injury protection (PIP) insurance coverage, which covers a percentage of your lost wages and medical bills. Fortunately, PIP coverage is ‘no-fault,’ meaning it’ll cover you, whether you’re the driver who was primarily responsible for the accident or a passenger injured in a car accident. Keep in mind, though, that you’ll only be able to get compensation up to the maximum limit of your insurance policy, so you might have to file passenger injury claims against both drivers.
However, the amount of compensation you receive will ultimately come down to the drivers’ insurance policies and the severity of your injuries.
Pain and Suffering Compensation for Injured Passengers
PIP coverage is only valid for medical bills, lost income, and disability benefits, and death benefits to loved ones if the accident was fatal. Passengers in car accidents who are looking for further compensation–especially for pain and suffering–will have to hire an experienced car accident lawyer who can help fight for an additional passenger in a car accident settlement.
Can I Sue the Driver as a Passenger?
If you were the passenger in the car of the driver who was primarily at fault in the accident, then yes, you can sue that driver. This route is especially useful if both your insurance coverage and the other driver’s insurance coverage are unable to fully compensate you for the damages you’ve sustained. You can sue both drivers to receive the additional compensation you’ll need to pay your medical bills or make up for lost finances.
How Our Fort Lauderdale Passenger Injuries Attorney Can Help You
If you were a passenger in a car accident in Florida, it’s likely that you suffered some bodily injury as a result. It’s time to turn to David I. Fuchs, a renowned car accident lawyer who has over 30 years of experience helping Florida drivers get the settlements they deserve. If you’re looking for a seasoned litigator with shrewd negotiation skills and a fierce courtroom determination, then give us a call today to learn more about how we can help you.
