How Passengers Can Obtain Compensation After a Florida Car Accident

Car accidents can be scary for everyone involved, including passengers who may suffer serious injuries or death in the event of a crash. It is easy to find information on what to do if you are a driver and in a crash, but if you are a passenger and are injured, you may not be sure of your rights and what your legal options are.

At Fulgencio Law, the Tampa personal injury attorneys know how difficult it can be for individuals when they are injured in a car accident. It can feel overwhelming and stressful, and it can also be confusing as to what to do to recover the financial compensation for losses that were sustained. An attorney at Fulgencio Law can offer experienced legal counsel to car accident victims who need answers and direction on how to recover the most compensation possible.

How Passengers Can Recover Compensation After a Car Accident in Florida

Knowing what to do should you ever be a passenger in a car accident is critical to your ability to recover from your injuries and obtain the compensation you need and deserve for your losses.

The first thing to do is to be seen by a medical provider. If you are severely injured, having emergency responders come to the scene and quickly get you to a hospital is essential. If not, and even if you think your injuries are minor, you still shouldn’t delay in seeing a doctor. You will want to have a proper diagnosis of your injuries and a treatment plan to help you start to heal. Additionally, if you file a claim for compensation, you can use the information from your medical provider to support your claim.

If you can, you should collect the contact information of the drivers involved in the accident along with their insurance. If there are witnesses, it can be advantageous to speak with them and see if they will provide their contact information as well. It is also important to gather as much information at the accident scene as possible; so, if you are able to, take photos of the cars, the road conditions, traffic signs, all damaged property, and the environment where the accident happened.

When you attempt to recover compensation, Florida’s no-fault insurance laws mean that if you are a passenger with your own car insurance, you will use your insurance to file a claim. If your injuries are substantial, then you can file a claim against the party that caused the accident. 

If you do not have insurance because you do not own a car or drive, then you may be covered in one of the following ways.

• By the Personal Injury Protection coverage, or PIP, of the driver whose car you are in or their uninsured coverage if they have it.
• The PIP coverage that a family member of yours has.
• The insurance of the driver who caused the accident.

Call Fulgencio Law Today

Understanding your rights as an injured passenger in a Florida car accident can be confusing. For assistance and help, please call Fulgencio Law at  (813) 463-0123 to schedule a free consultation with an attorney.