Passengers are sometimes involved in auto accidents and, in many cases, they suffer more severe injuries than the drivers do. An injured passenger may wonder whether they have legal recourse for their injuries, and the answers often lie in both drivers’ insurance coverage. Here, victims can get tips on identifying all available coverage to increase their chances of a full economic recovery.
Injured Passengers Have Numerous Coverage Options
Thankfully for an injured passenger, there are a few ways to recover damages for losses and injuries suffered in an auto accident. Possible recovery sources bring several issues to the forefront: liability insurance, uninsured motorist coverage and comparative negligence.
Comparative Negligence Means That Both Drivers Could Share Responsibility
As in other personal injury matters, automobile accident lawyers can bring a claim against the negligent party. This can be either the other driver or the person driving the vehicle in which the passenger rode. Both claims are made against the at-fault driver’s auto insurance policy, but matters can become complicated when both drivers are deemed negligent. When parties share the blame for an accident, an injured passenger can file a claim against both drivers’ liability policies.
Liability Insurance
Apportionment of fault can be crucial in situations where both motorists have a low liability limit. When serious injuries have occurred, a passenger may be able to get the policy limit from both drivers, regardless of the apportionment of fault.
Under- and Uninsured Motorist Coverage
If both drivers lack the coverage to pay for the passenger’s damages, that person would be able to file a claim under his/her own under- or uninsured motorist coverage. Some areas have a high concentration of under- and uninsured drivers, and this coverage can be a redeeming feature in some cases.
Passengers Have Several Rights
As shown above, a passenger injured in a car accident has many rights and potential avenues of recovery. In fact, passengers have insurance options that aren’t available to drivers. Where a driver would only be able to draw on policies involved in an accident, a passenger could use his/her own insurance coverage although their vehicle wasn’t involved. Automobile accident lawyers with Northfloridaautoaccidentlawyer.com can help passengers find all possible sources of financial recovery after an accident.
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