If you suffer serious injuries as a passenger in a car accident collision, do you have a right to sue? Learn more by partnering with Lovenberg & Associates, P.C. today.
Regardless of whether you’re a driver or a passenger when a car accident occurs, a crash can be a traumatic, terrifying experience, as well as one that results in serious injuries. For passengers, though, something that can be particularly frustrating about a crash is that it’s entirely out of their control – a passenger has no power to avoid or mitigate a crash; instead, they are merely victims of it.
If you’re involved in a crash as a passenger and suffer injuries, our Massachusetts car accident lawyer at the law office of Lovenberg & Associates, P.C. can help. To learn more about who to sue as an injured passenger, call our law firm for a free consultation today.
Who Can a Passenger Sue After a Car Accident?
When a car crash occurs, the driver is limited to filing a no-fault benefits claim against their own insurance company’s personal injury protection coverage or, if injuries are serious enough, pursuing a claim against the at-fault party (typically, the other driver). When a passenger is seriously injured in a crash, though, they are not limited to bringing forth a claim only against the driver of the other vehicle involved; instead, they can hold all driver’s accountable, including the driver of the vehicle they were in at the time of crash. Drivers (or any other at-fault parties) will be held liable for a passenger’s injuries in proportion to each driver’s percentage of fault.
Types of Damages Recoverable
A passenger can seek damages to compensate them for the full extent of harm suffered. This includes compensation for both economic and noneconomic losses, such as:
- Medical expenses accrued;
- Lost wages resulting from injuries;
- Loss of earning potential;
- Costs of therapy and rehabilitation; and
- Pain, suffering, emotional distress, and diminished quality of life.
Note that in Massachusetts, no-fault benefits do not cover pain and suffering damages. If a passenger’s injuries do not meet the serious injury threshold, they will need to pursue no-fault benefits under the insurance policy of the driver of the car in which they were riding at the time of crash.
Why You Should Work with an Attorney
Whether your injuries meet Massachusetts’ serious injury threshold or not, if you’ve been injured, you deserve compensation. When you work with a lawyer, your attorney will explain to you your rights and options for recovering compensation, will help you to understand what your claim is worth, will file all claim or lawsuit documents on your behalf, can negotiate your settlement, and will advise you on whether to accept or reject a settlement offer. Working with an attorney is one of the most effective ways to protect your interests and, in most cases, maximize your recovery amount.
Call Lovenberg & Associates, PC Today
For help navigating the claims systems after a crash, call our Boston car accident attorneys at Lovenberg & Associates, P.C. today. We have experience representing car accident passengers, and will provide you with the highest-quality representation possible. Reach us now online or at (617) 973-9950.
