You have certain rights as a passenger if you experienced a car accident caused by your driver or another driver. There are various reasons why a car accident can happen. Part of your job will be to figure out how much your driver and the other driver were at fault. In some cases, the other driver may be completely at fault. In other cases, your driver may be completely at fault. A Tennessee car accident lawyer can help you figure out who was negligent, so you can receive compensation.
Seeking Compensation as a Passenger
In cases where the other driver was mostly at fault, you can obtain compensation by filing a personal injury claim to the other driver’s insurance company. Depending on the severity of the damages you suffered, you may be eligible to receive compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, and lost wages.
The insurance company may not want to cooperate with your claim because the other driver has likely already sent them their own personal injury claim. If you experience denial, delays, or miscommunication regarding your claim, talk to a lawyer about filing a lawsuit. To do this successfully, you will need evidence.
This means pictures, notes, and witness reports. This is why taking pictures of the accident and your injuries is vital to proving your claim. A copy of the police report will also be required by the insurance company. They will not just take your word for it.
If a claims adjuster wishes to question you about your claim, proceed with caution. What you tell the claims adjuster can be used against your claim. It is safer to consult with a lawyer first or have them speak to the insurance company directly.
What if None of the Drivers Have Insurance?
In a worst-case scenario, the other driver and your driver both do not have car insurance. However, this does not mean your right to receive compensation is over. Check with your own insurance company for uninsured motorist coverage. This type of coverage can cover your expenses if a driver has no insurance.
Uninsured motorist coverage usually covers expenses for medical bills, pain and suffering, and lost wages. With this coverage comes certain limitations on how much compensation you can receive overall. If this compensation alone is not enough to cover all your expenses, the next option is to file a lawsuit against the driver.
This can mean filing a lawsuit against your driver or the other driver. Your success in this may depend on how at-fault each driver was. A lawyer will be able to advise you on the best option.
