
Being involved in a car accident in which you are merely a passenger can be a traumatic experience, as you have no control over either vehicle involved. Unfortunately, many assume they don’t have any legal options as a passenger, however, this is not the case. You can pursue compensation for your losses, regardless of who is at fault for the crash, even if the driver of the vehicle you were traveling in is responsible. If you have recently been injured as a passenger in a car accident, it’s in your best interest to contact a knowledgeable Chesterfield County Car Accident Lawyer who can help you understand your rights and legal options.
What Are My Rights as a Passenger in a Car Accident?
It’s important to understand that every motorist has a duty of care to keep others safe from an unreasonable risk of harm. As such, negligent drivers can be held financially responsible when their actions cause injuries to others.
If the driver of the vehicle in which you were the passenger is at fault for the accident, you may have a valid personal injury claim. If the driver’s insurance coverage is insufficient to compensate for the passenger’s injuries or if they deny the claim, the passenger can file a personal injury lawsuit against the driver. If the accident was caused by another driver, the passenger can file a claim against that driver to seek compensation.
In cases where both parties share fault, comparative fault will come into play. South Carolina is a modified comparative negligence state, which means you can still recover compensation if you are partly at fault for a collision as long as your fault is 50% or less. However, your compensation will be reduced in proportion to your degree of fault for the collision.
Should I Consult a Lawyer?
In the unfortunate event that you are injured in a car accident as a passenger, it’s in your best interest to work with a qualified Chesterfield County personal injury lawyer who can help you understand your rights and safeguard them. In many cases, the insurance company will try to take advantage of accident victims and reduce their compensation. A lawyer will fight to counter this behavior, seeking the full and fair compensation to which you are entitled.
At the Cockrell Law Firm, P.C., we are prepared to zealously represent your interests. If you have been injured in a car accident as a passenger, please don’t hesitate to contact our legal team to discuss your legal options. Connect with our firm today to learn more about what we can do for you during these difficult times.