As the passenger in a car accident, it may be clear that this incident was due to no fault of your own. But what might be unclear is the rights you possess in this situation. Plus, you may be hesitant to exert any rights if the driver involved in the car accident was a family member or close friend. Continue reading to learn when passengers might be eligible to sue after a car crash and how an experienced Toronto car accident lawyer at Merricks Law Group, P.A. can help with your insurance claim.
Is it possible for passengers to sue after a car accident?
It is more than likely that the liable party for your accident was the driver of the car you were traveling in, the driver(s) of the other car(s) directly involved, or a combination of both. Therefore, as an exempt passenger, you may be able to make an insurance claim against all the drivers directly involved in the accident. With this, these drivers will be defended by their respective insurance companies.
What’s more, your own insurance policy may help to cover certain costs you incurred as a passenger in a car accident. This is thanks to your no-fault benefits; which, as the name suggests, apply regardless of who is at fault. Without further ado, your no-fault benefits may compensate you for the following damages:
- The cost of your current medical bills and future rehabilitation bills.
- The cost of your current and future lost wages; or non-earner benefits if you are not working at the time of the accident.
- The cost of your personal belongings that were damaged in the accident (i.e., prescription glasses, clothing and accessories, phone and electronics, etc).
- The cost of funeral and burial bills for any other loved ones who died as passengers in the accident.
What if I was injured as a passenger in an Uber or Lyft?
Say, for instance, that you were a passenger using a rideshare service like Uber or Lyft at the time of your car accident. Well, in this case, the claims process may work a little bit differently. This is because Uber and Lyft have their own liability coverage system in place. This system is detailed as follows:
- Period 0: coverage offered when the driver has not yet logged into the Uber or Lyft app.
- Period 1: coverage offered when the driver has logged into the Uber or Lyft app but has not yet accepted a ride.
- Period 2: coverage offered when the driver has accepted a ride but is still on the way to pick up the passenger.
- Period 3: coverage offered when the driver has the passenger already in the car.
At the end of the day, your filing an insurance claim requires a skilled Toronto Uber/Lyft accident lawyer in your corner. So please get in touch with us at Merricks Law Group, P.A.
