Even if you were just a passenger in a car accident, your injuries still matter and your damages still deserve compensation. In this position, you may be unsure of where to seek compensation, and how this may impact the driver you likely have some sort of relationship with, whether it be a friend or family member. Continue reading to learn what approach to take if you are injured as a passenger and how an experienced Toronto car accident lawyer at Merricks Law Group can guide you step by step.
What rights do I have in recovering damages as a passenger in a car accident?
In a typical sequence of events, your attorney will submit a claim to the at-fault party’s insurance company on your behalf. Hopefully, the insurer is cooperative with negotiating a settlement that fully compensates you for the injuries you endured. But if not, you have the right to sue the at-fault driver. If you are worried about how this may affect your relationship with the driver, it is important to understand that your claim will not hurt the driver’s personal finances. Instead, it affects the driver’s insurance company.
Overall, you must consider suing the driver, regardless of your relationship with them, if you experienced any of the following:
- You are suffering from injuries that are leaving long-term effects on your life.
- You are receiving hefty medical bills for your injuries.
- You have reason to suspect that the driver or vehicle was uninsured.
What damages am I able to recover as a passenger?
With the help of a skilled Ontario personal injury lawyer, as a passenger, you will be able to recover both economic and non-economic damages that left you with physical, emotional, or financial burdens after the accident. Examples of such damages read as follows:
- Economic damages:
- Current and future medical bills.
- Current and future lost wages.
- Medical equipment.
- Outside assistance.
- Non-economic damages:
- Emotional distress.
- Pain and suffering.
- Loss of independence.
What steps should I take after being injured as a passenger?
To satisfy the burden of proof and build a strong personal injury claim, it is in your best interest to follow the below steps:
- Call 911. The police will conduct a report, and also call medical attention to the scene.
- Once medical attention arrives, seek treatment.
- Collect the contact information of all parties involved. This includes their name, number, driver’s license information, and insurance company information. Do the same for any present witnesses.
- Take photos and videos of the scene, including all damages and injuries.
- Collect all medical documents that include the date, time, and severity of your injuries.
- Retain the services of a seasoned attorney at Merricks Law Group.
Contact Our Experienced Toronto Personal Injury Firm
If you have been injured in an accident due to no fault of your own, contact a Toronto Personal Injury Lawyer at Merricks Law Group today.
