Any accident experienced from behind the wheel can be traumatic. Those same accidents experienced as a passenger can be just as frightening.
Passengers don’t have control of their safety while riding along with someone else. They can find themselves in an accident that they weren’t to blame for. The injuries left behind can lead to a long, expensive recovery.
Victims may be covered as a passenger in an accident by their own insurance. They may also be able to make a claim against the driver’s insurance company.
Whitman County Accident with Serious Injuries
A DUI accident in Whitman County, Washington left a 19-year-old man and two passengers with serious injuries. The Spokesman-Review reported on the accident over the weekend, Saturday, July 11th, 2020. State Patrol responded to the accident along State Route 271 south of Rosalia.
They say the driver was under the influence of an unknown substance when he lost control and drove into a ditch. The driver and at least one passenger were not wearing seatbelts.
Two passengers were taken to Whitman Hospital in Colfax with broken bones. Officers say the injured driver was flown to Sacred Heart Medical Center. His condition hasn’t been released.
A Passenger’s Rights in an Accident
After a tragic accident, passengers may find they have to miss time from work. They may also have medical bills they can’t afford to pay.
A passenger may feel unsettled about bringing a claim against a loved one or friend who may have been driving. In reality, it will be insurance companies who will settle any claim for damages, and generally, the driver at fault won’t be directly targeted in a claim. The driver who may have caused the accident would likely want a victim to receive help while recovering.
This is called a Third-Party Injury Claim. In some cases, you can file a claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance company. In a multi-vehicle accident, you may even be able to file an insurance claim against other drivers involved.
People pay their Insurance premiums for this reason. These companies exist to cover costs for victims in these tragedies. Victims should not feel guilty trying to get financial help during their recovery.
Contact a Whitman County Car Accident Lawyer
If you or a loved one were injured as a passenger in a serious accident you’ll want to contact a local Accident Attorney ensure your current hospital bills and any future medical costs are covered. A personal injury attorney has experience in dealing with insurance companies and can make sure you are getting the maximum amount you are entitled to.
Established in Spokane in 1948, Crary, Clark, Domanico, & Chuang, P.S. is committed to providing our clients with the absolute highest quality legal representation. If our Car Accident Lawyers represent you for your accident case, you have our assurance that we will use our absolute best efforts to win your case. Contact us after any accident resulting in a serious injury for a free, confidential consultation and case evaluation. We will only offer you advice which is in your best interest.
