Passenger injuries in Grand Junction car accidents can happen in taxis, public transport, or privately owned vehicles like cars, vans, or motorcycles. If you were hurt due to someone else’s negligence or reckless driving, you may be entitled to file a personal injury claim.
At Veritas Injury Lawyers in Grand Junction, our talented car accident attorneys protect injured passengers by handling every aspect of the legal process—so you can focus on recovery while we fight for the compensation you deserve.
Who is at Fault in Passenger Injuries?
If you or someone you know has been involved in a car accident as a passenger, this can be a confusing time. Your situation is further complicated when insurance companies cannot agree or determine which driver is liable for the accident.
The first issue that insurance companies will address is which party was at fault. Insurance companies will launch an investigation to determine guilt by working with the police reports, taking statements from parties involved, and speaking to witnesses who saw the accident.
Filing a Claim Against the Other Driver’s Insurance
If the other driver is found at fault, the passenger can then pursue a claim against that driver’s insurance coverage. Guilt applies even if the other driver was less at fault than the driver you were riding with. You still have the right to collect compensation from the other driver because that driver shared in liability. However, the amount of compensation a passenger can receive is no more than the overall value of the claim.
Filing a Claim Against the Driver
If the driver was at fault, you have a legal right to file a claim against the driver’s insurance. This allows you to receive financial compensation for injuries, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Liability coverage usually comes with limits per person.
Some unique rules may be applicable if the driver is related to you. The insurance policy may not cover injured family members because the claim would be covering its own driver. Most insured drivers can’t file a claim against their own liability coverage.
What Remedies Might Be Available to an Injured Passenger?
Many passengers who are injured in car accidents do not realize they can file a personal injury claim, but you can—even if the driver of the vehicle you were riding in was at fault. Some people feel uncomfortable filing a claim against a friend or family member’s insurance company, but the reality is that is what insurance policies are for. Plus, you deserve compensation to aid with your recovery.
Even minor injuries can result in expensive medical bills. If your injuries are severe enough, you may not be able to return to work immediately or at all, so you will require compensation that covers your lost wages. Plus, you may require physical and/or mental therapy, which can be ongoing and costly.
