When a car is involved in an auto accident, the driver may not be the only victim. If there was a passenger inside the vehicle, he or she may have also sustained a personal injury. The aftermath of a car crash can result in a person suffering from serious injuries, head, neck and spine complications, or even wrongful death. In these cases, a passenger may be able to seek compensation for their injuries. Determining who was at fault may be the biggest hurdle an injured passenger may face, and to ensure that the liable parties are held responsible, it is important to speak to an experienced attorney.
Receiving Compensation for Passenger Injuries
If you have suffered an injury due to another person’s careless actions or negligence, you may be entitled to financial compensation. Depending on the extent of your injury, you may suffer both physical and mental setbacks. The severity of your injury can be a factor when determining the amount of compensation owed. You may be able to recover damages that include:
- Medical bills
- Loss of past and future wages
- Pain and suffering
- Additional accommodations required while recovering
Determining Who Is at Fault
In any personal injury case, the liable party or parties may be held accountable for injuries and damages that occurred because of their actions. As a victim, you can help strengthen your claim by:
- Documenting your injuries
- Securing witness statements or video evidence
- Retaining any important documents, such as police reports and medical papers
- Immediately consulting a knowledgeable attorney
What if the Person at Fault Is a Friend or Family Member?
If you were injured because of the actions or negligence of the driver of the vehicle you were riding in, you may be concerned about taking legal action against someone who is close to you. Fortunately, victims have the option to take “direct action” against an insurer rather than the person who was at fault. Wisconsin Statute 632.24 allows a victim to pursue a lawsuit against a person’s insurance company rather than, or in addition to, the actual person. The lawsuit may recover damages up to the limits of the insurance policy.
Contact an Appleton, WI Personal Injury Attorney
Dealing with the aftermath of a car crash can already be a lot to manage, and it can be even more confusing if you do not know your rights. Immediately after an accident takes place, you should seek legal counsel. At Herrling Clark Law Firm, Ltd., our attorneys can advise you on what actions should be taken. To determine your options for pursuing financial compensation for the injuries you have sustained, contact one of our seasoned Green Bay car accident lawyers at 920-739-7366 to schedule a free consultation.
Source:
https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/statutes/statutes/632/III/24