What to Do if You’re Injured in a Car Accident as a Passenger

Nearly five million injuries that required a doctor resulted from car accidents in the United States in 2020 alone.

But, are you aware of what to do if you’re the one injured, but you weren’t driving the vehicle?

Keep reading this post to find out what to do if you’re injured in a car accident as a passenger.

Get Information

If you’re able, it’s important to get as much information as you can at the scene of the accident. Ideally, anyone else you were with or any witness will also gather photos, videos, and information if you’re unable to. You may also need to follow up with potential witnesses or cameras in the area after the fact.

If you are able, you need to ensure that your photos capture the scene correctly. Take photos of any damage you see of any car or the surrounding environment. Make sure that you take signs of the scene along with close-ups and medium-range shots.

It Depends on The Circumstances

Of course, the circumstances of the crash will affect what you should do. The laws can differ depending on the state you’re in. Determining fault, for example, can differ depending on the state that the accident occurs in.

The facts of the accident will also affect what needs to be done. Essentially, if the driver of the car you’re in is found to be at fault, you would have to get damages from that driver. If the driver of the opposing car is found to be at fault, you would get damages from them.

File a Report

Unfortunately, when you’re a passenger injured, you will need to file a police report. This will begin a paper trail that will help you with any legal or insurance claims you need to make in the wake of your injury. If you’re too severely injured, this may fall to your next of kin or your power of attorney.

Of course, interacting with law enforcement can be scary. Ideally, you should ensure that you have a backup, like a family member or a lawyer, when you give your statement about the situation to the police.

You also need to understand what you need to give the police. You’ll need to report every piece of evidence you know about, along with as detail a recollection of the accident that you can provide.

Legal Representation

No matter what, it’s important to get a lawyer to protect yourself to pay for your medical and other expenses. Make sure that you find a car accident attorney in your area today.

What to Do if You’re Injured in a Car Accident as a Passenger: Now You Know

Figuring out what to do injured in a car accident as a passenger can be stressful. Hopefully, you now have some idea of how to get on the right path. Figuring out what to do injured in a car accident as a passenger can be stressful. Hopefully, you now have some idea of how to get on the right path.

Are you looking for more advice? Some of our other in-depth articles may be able to help you out.