Passenger Injuries

Getting hurt in a car accident can be painful, overwhelming and stressful. The last thing you need to have to deal with on top of the stress you’re already under is negotiating with insurance companies. When you’re a passenger in a vehicle that’s in an accident, you also may be eligible for compensation for your injuries and any damages you incurred. A passenger injury claim is a legal process that’s best handled by a passenger injury lawyer. In New Jersey, call RAM Law for the best representation.

What Happens if I’m a Passenger Who’s Injured in a New Jersey Car Accident?

Motor vehicle accidents happen frequently and in some accidents, passengers are hurt. Some types of accidents can be more dangerous to passengers than to drivers, such as a T-bone accident. Whether the accident was caused by the driver of the vehicle you were in or another vehicle, as an injured passenger, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries.

If you or a loved one has sustained a passenger injury in a New Jersey vehicle accident, it’s in your best interests to consult a passenger injury lawyer to discuss what happened and to find out if you should file a passenger injury claim. The experienced personal injury lawyers at RAM Law are your best option in New Jersey to get the compensation you deserve.

What Are the Most Common Causes of Car Wrecks?

Car wrecks can happen at any time day or night, and they happen in busy urban areas as well as residential areas, country roads and even off-road. The most common causes of vehicle accidents that very often involve a passenger injury claim include:

• Drowsy driving
• Drunk driving or driving under the influence of other substances
• Distracted driving
• Speeding
• Aggressive driving
• Poor road conditions

Bad weather can make roads wet, icy or slippery. Visibility may be reduced by rain, fog or by poorly lit roads. Some drivers drive carelessly or recklessly, but sometimes good drivers simply make a mistake.

What Should I Do if I’m a Passenger When There’s an Accident?

After a wreck, determine if you or other people involved in the accident need immediate medical care and call 911 to get medical help for anyone who needs it. Other actions passengers should take after an accident include:

• Call the police to report the location of the accident.
• Start gathering evidence such as getting statements from eyewitnesses and taking pictures of the vehicles involved.
• Write down details regarding how the accident happened as soon as you can. Make note of the time of day the accident happened and whether weather conditions were a factor.

Seek medical care as soon as you can, even if you believe you aren’t injured because symptoms of accident-related injuries aren’t always apparent right away. Obtain a copy of the police report and keep records of all accident-related medical costs.

What Types of Injuries Do Vehicle Passengers Sustain?

The injuries sustained by passengers in car accidents or truck accidents vary from minor to severe or even fatal. Some of the most common injuries that passengers may experience include:

• Broken bones
• Soft tissue injuries, such as sprains and strains
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Internal injuries
• Neck injuries
• Burn injuries
• Bruises and lacerations

Passengers that are ejected from a vehicle may end up with catastrophic injuries. An amputation may be required if limbs are crushed; facial injuries may lead to scars or disfigurement. Passenger injuries may be caused by defective equipment such as a malfunctioning seatbelt or airbag or a defective windshield. People who experience serious injuries in an accident may be traumatized emotionally and may experience post-traumatic stress disorder.

What Kind of Compensation Are Passengers Entitled To?

When a passenger’s injuries happen because of a driver’s negligence, the passenger deserves to be compensated and this is true whether you’re the passenger in an Uber, Lyft, commercial bus or a vehicle driven by a family member or friend. Some types of compensation passengers may be entitled to include:

• Coverage for medical bills. This includes doctor’s visits, emergency room visits, medication and ongoing treatment such as physical therapy.
• Lost wages. If you’re unable to work because of your injuries, you may be able to receive compensation for lost wages or lost earning capacity.
• Property damage. Property in your possession that was damaged when the accident happened can be included in your claim.

If your injuries were very severe or are permanent, you may be entitled to compensation for pain and suffering. Consulting a knowledgeable car accident lawyer at RAM Law in New Jersey is the best way to find out what kind of compensation you may be able to get in your case.

Who’s Responsible for Compensating a Passenger for Injuries?

In a vehicle accident, either or both drivers involved may be all or partly responsible, but passengers aren’t at fault unless you created an unsafe environment inside the car. Parties that may be responsible for compensating a passenger for injuries include:

• Personal injury protection (PIP). Since New Jersey is a no-fault insurance state, you’re eligible for compensation regardless of who caused the accident. Your own PIP coverage is the first source of protection to cover medical bills and lost wages.
• Your driver’s insurance company. If you don’t have your own PIP coverage, the PIP coverage of the person who was driving may provide coverage.
• The other driver’s insurance company. If the other driver is found to be at fault or partly at fault and medical expenses aren’t fully covered by PIP, you may be able to file a suit against the other driver’s insurance company.
• Vehicle manufacturer. If injuries are caused by defective equipment, the vehicle manufacturer may be held responsible.

If either driver was uninsured or underinsured, you may be able to file a claim through your own uninsured motorist insurance if you have a standard policy. If your passenger injuries were caused by a commercial vehicle, you may be able to receive compensation from the commercial insurance company. The best way to be sure you receive the maximum amount of compensation for passenger injuries is by hiring a reputable and highly experienced passenger injury lawyer.

How Can RAM Law Help People Who Have Passenger Injuries?

The best choice for personal injury representation in New Jersey can be found at RAM Law. The passenger injury lawyers at RAM Law provide experienced, dedicated and compassionate representation to people who have been injured in motor vehicle accidents.

Car Accident Lawyers at Rebenack, Aronow & Mascolo, L.L.P. Help Injured Clients Recover Compensation

The effects of an accident on passengers can linger long after the crash, especially if you suffer serious injuries. If a negligent driver has injured you as a passenger, work with Rebenack, Aronow & Mascolo, L.L.P. Our skilled car accident lawyers will help you put your life back on course. To schedule a free consultation, call us today at 732-247-3600 or complete our online form. Located in New Brunswick, Somerville, and Freehold, New Jersey, we serve clients in Middlesex County, Monmouth County, and Somerset County.