You might be confused about what to do if you are a passenger in a car during an accident. You have to stay focused and start acting right away to protect yourself. Here are six steps to take if you were injured while someone else was driving.
Call the Police If No One Else Has
Start by calling the police if no one else has. You need the police to come to the scene of the accident so that you can file an official report. This is critical if you need to make a claim or file a lawsuit later. Do this even if the drivers of the vehicles object.
Get To a Hospital
Passengers can sustain equal or worse injuries than drivers in car accidents. You need to get to a hospital as quickly as you can. You want a full examination. Doctors can sometimes detect problems that you cannot feel or notice. You will also need the doctor’s report later if anything happens.
Keep Mostly Quiet
You want to keep mostly quiet about the incident. Try not to talk to the person driving the vehicle you were in or the driver of the other car. Keep details to a minimum when speaking with police. You do not want to discuss the situation aloud with anyone until you have proper representation.
Talk To a Lawyer
You should contact a lawyer right away if you were injured while someone else was driving a car. Passengers in vehicles do have the right to file a claim for damages and to potentially file a lawsuit if necessary. Speak to an experienced personal injury lawyer, like those at Bachus & Schanker Law. An attorney will also help to protect your rights and deal with aggressive insurance companies.
Try To Gather Evidence
Try to gather evidence of what happened at the scene. Take pictures or videos if you can. Try to show both vehicles, where you were located and the surrounding area. Take photos of both the interior and exterior parts of the car where you were sitting. Get the contact information of anyone who saw what happened.
Start Documenting Your Damages
A final step is to start documenting your damages. If you pay for medications, lose income from work or suffer other damages, then document them. That documentation will make it easier for you to collect compensation later.
Do not be afraid to assert your rights if you were injured as a passenger in a car. The liable parties and insurance companies are responsible for covering your damages. Take action right away so that you can receive fair treatment.
This article is courtesy of Anita Ginsburg, a freelance writer from Denver who often writes about home, family, law and business. A mother of two, she enjoys traveling with her family when she isn’t writing.
