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Do I Have Any Legal Recourse if I am Injured in a Car Accident When Riding as a Passenger with a Relative or Friend?

What are Passenger Car Accident Laws in Colorado?

When you get into a friend's or relative's car as a passenger, you expect that they will take your safety seriously and you will arrive at your destination unharmed. However, accidents do happen, and the experience can be scary. If injured as a passenger, you may not know what to do, but the law has provisions outlining what you should do after an accident to protect your rights.

Denver personal injury lawyers explain that you don't have to suffer because of someone else's poor decisions. Pursuing compensation for the injuries can help you cater to the medical injuries and meet your living expenses during the healing and recovery period.

What Are the Rights of a Passenger in a Car Accident?

The law allows passengers to take the driver's seat in insurance claims if they're injured in an accident. With the help of skilled car accident attorneys in Denver, you can file a personal injury claim to obtain compensation from the at-fault driver. Your claim could be easier than if you were the driver in the accident since you don't have to prove liability.

One or more drivers could be liable for the accident, and it's up to the law enforcers, insurance companies, and Denver car accident lawyers to work together to establish who was at fault. That party's insurance company will compensate you, not necessarily the liable person.

What Should I Do After the Accident?

Car accident lawyers in Denver explain that the actions you take after a car accident can substantially affect the outcome of your claim. A passenger personal injury claim typically follows the same path as a regular accident claim. Legal experts recommend doing the following to secure the likelihood of obtaining the compensation you deserve:

Seek Medical Attention

Legal and medical experts recommend getting medical attention after an accident, even if you don't have visible injuries or feel hurt. You may sustain internal injuries that could further become complicated if you leave them untreated. Call 911 so the police can send an ambulance to your location for immediate care.

Collect Contact Information

It's always advisable to collect contact information from everyone involved in the crash and share yours if asked. Information such as the other driver's contact information, driver's license number, insurance company, and contacts can help you pursue a claim against their insurance company if they're found to be at fault for the accident.

Take Photos

Photos and recordings of where the accident happened can tell an in-depth story of the events leading to the accident and its consequences. They act as strong evidence of your claim and can prove the injuries and property damage sustained in the accident. Ensure you capture the vehicles involved in the accident from various angles, the debris and wreckage, and your injuries, if any.

Preserve the photos carefully and share copies with your Denver car accident lawyer. They can use the pictures to evaluate the conditions during the collision, including roads, weather, and lighting. The angle of the cars and the road debris can help them determine who was at fault or the conditions that contributed to the collision.

Speak to Witnesses

Eyewitnesses can give a more precise report of what happened. Their testimony could corroborate your claims to strengthen your case. Collect their contact information so your lawyers can contact them for a statement concerning the accident.

It would also be a nice idea to talk to the police officers

What Injuries Can I File a Compensation Claim for?

Passengers often sustain various types of injuries in car crashes, and they have a right to seek compensation to cover the damages. The following are some types of injuries for which you can recover compensation after a car accident in Colorado:

  1. Brain injuries, including concussions, bleeding, contusions, and traumatic brain injuries
  2. Severe burns that require extensive medical care and cause long-term scarring, disfigurement, and pain and suffering
  3. Broken bones that could lead to permanent debilitation, amputation, or which could take long to heal
  4. Spinal injuries that could result in loss of movement and paralysis
  5. Soft tissue injuries such as torn muscles and ligaments

You could also file a wrongful death liability claim if you lost a loved one in a car crash. Consult experienced Denver car accident lawyers on filing a wrongful death claim.

What Damages Can I Recover in a Car Accident Claim as a Passenger?

Once your personal injury lawyers review your case, they can calculate the value of your damages to help you file an accurate claim. They will consider factors such as:

  • Cost of emergency treatment
  • Doctor's office visits
  • Surgeries
  • Physical therapy and rehabilitation
  • Hospitalization costs
  • Costs of prescription medication
  • Pain and suffering
  • Lost wages and loss of earning capacity

You could be eligible to receive compensation for other out-of-pocket damages depending on your case specifics. Denver personal injury lawyers can provide more insights to ensure you're well-informed.

A Skilled Personal Injury Lawyer Helping You Navigate Passenger Accident Claims

If you got into an accident as a passenger in a friend's or relative’s car, you probably have a relationship with them. This may leave you in a dilemma of whether to pursue compensation from them to avoid ruining the relationship. The good thing is that you will receive money from the driver's insurance policy, not their own pocket.

Skilled Denver car accident lawyers can help you navigate the claim process for the most favorable outcome. It was not your fault that the accident happened, and you should not suffer through medical bills and lost wages. The legal team at the Genco Injury Attorneys can walk with you during this challenging time. Call us at 720-706-7673 to schedule a FREE case assessment.

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