What To Do If You’re An Injured Passenger in a Car Accident – Guest Post

When you are the passenger in a motor vehicle, you trust your driver and the other people on the road to drive in a manner that keeps you safe. Unfortunately, this does not always happen. In a matter of seconds, you have become an injured passenger and are wondering how your life will play out in the weeks to come. If you assume you have no legal recourse in these situations, you are wrong. When you are an injured passenger in a car accident, take these steps immediately.

Get Medical Treatment

Whether you file a claim with your insurance company, your driver’s insurance company, or decide to file a personal injury lawsuit against one or both drivers, always get immediate medical treatment for any injuries you sustained. Even if you don’t think you have serious injuries, allow paramedics to examine you and take you to a hospital for further tests. Many times, passengers suffer brain injuries, whiplash, or back injuries, all of which may not display symptoms right away.

Talk to an Attorney

Within a few days after your accident, always consult with an auto accident attorney to discuss your accident in greater detail. By doing so, your lawyer can gain a better understanding of what happened, examine any photographic evidence you may have in your possession, decide if you have a viable case, and give you advice as to how you should proceed.

Resist a Quick Settlement

While insurance companies never want to pay out compensation to accident victims, they realize they sometimes need to do so. However, this usually results in them attempting to coerce victims into accepting very low amounts of money for their injuries. If you are contacted by an insurance company soon after your accident, resist the urge to accept a quick settlement. Instead, let your lawyer gather evidence and build a strong case on your behalf, which will then force the insurance company to grant you maximum compensation for your injuries.

Don’t Post on Social Media

In the age of social media, it can be tempting to share every aspect of your life with your friends and followers. However, there are some things that are best kept private, and a car accident is one of them. Insurance companies are increasingly using social media to investigate claims, and posts about a recent accident can be used as evidence to deny coverage. In addition, any information that you share on social media may be used against you in court. Remember to not post photos of yourself at home during your recovery period. If you post anything incriminating, the other driver’s lawyers and insurance company will use this to their advantage.

If you’re an injured passenger in a car accident, the best thing to do is to seek medical attention immediately. After you’ve been treated for your injuries, you should then contact a personal injury lawyer to discuss your legal options. In most cases, if you were injured through no fault of your own, you’ll be able to file a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver. However, it’s important to note that each case is different, so it’s best to speak with a lawyer to get specific advice about your situation. If you follow these steps after being injured in a car accident, you’ll be in the best possible position to protect your rights and get the compensation you deserve.