Mrs. López and all of the Staff that had helped us it has been an absolute pleasure. They always had an answer to our questions and treated us with respect but most of all they listened.
Alondra O.
Outstanding Attorneys and Legal Team. Lopez, Justin, and Daisy were quick to answer my questions and handled my accident case with speed and courtesy. The outcome was much better than I anticipated.
Robert R.
A huge thanks to your office for such a great experience with my case. Special thanks to Denora, Carmen, and especially Kevin for answering my many calls and questions and keeping me informed through the entire process. I’m am extremely happy and grateful with the outcome.
Kathy W.
Being in a car accident is not fun, and in sunny Florida, it is not something anyone wants to deal with. However, accidents happen. When they do, you want to know your rights, not just as a driver of the vehicle, but also as a passenger.
Our law office knows personal injuries, and we want to provide you with more information to know if this is the right avenue for you to take. Talk to the attorneys at Lopez & Humphries, PA for guidance after a car accident.
Your Rights as a Passenger
As a passenger in a vehicle involved in a car accident in Florida, you have rights just like the driver of the vehicle. If you were injured, you may want to sue for the damages you’ve incurred. It is important to know the following information:
- You’re allowed to take steps or action against the at-fault driver immediately after the accident.
- You are entitled to seek full compensation for lost wages, damages, and medical bills.
- Depending on the specific circumstances, you may have coverage under your own auto insurance, another’s policies, or sometimes, both.
- If any of these insurance companies refuse to pay for damages, you have the right to file a personal injury lawsuit.
Immediately After the Accident
You will want to get immediate medical attention for everyone involved in the crash. Once you’ve got this, you will want to take the proper steps to gather the specific information that is necessary to help you get full compensation.
While this is not an exhaustive list, there are items you may or may not need to get depending on the specific accident:
- Pictures of all injuries to both people and vehicles, including your own
- Pictures of the scene
- The names and numbers of any witnesses
- Copy of the police report
- All medical care and bills you must pay for as a result of the accident
- Lost earnings due to the accident
- The cost of transportation
- Any new expenses that stemmed from the accident
- Costs of any canceled plans, or trips you were going to take
Filing a Passenger Injury Claim
If you’re the passenger in the car, you have to file a claim against the liability insurance of the car owner who was driving (if they were at fault) or the liability coverage of the other vehicle (if they were at fault). In some cases, if you’re on the job, the employer may be liable for damages sustained.
You cannot collect from both drivers for more than the claim is worth in Florida, but you can collect from one and make up from the other depending on the situation. Talk to your attorney to see what best course of action may be right for your case.
Can the Passenger Receive a Settlement?
Yes. Passengers can file for a settlement if they’ve been injured during a car accident. Most car accident claims settle before they go to court. This is good news for everyone involved because it limits costs, saves time, and avoids any unpredictable events that may happen during a trial.
There is a limited amount of time where you can file a claim against the at-fault driver as a passenger. Therefore, it is important to act fast and speak with a professional as soon as you know you want to sue.
In Florida, there is minimum personal injury protection (PIP) insurance. This allows for up to $10,000, and the limit is shared amongst all those injured in the accident eligible to receive this benefit. Additional restitution can be obtained with help from our lawyers.
Our Attorneys Can Help You
Speaking with our car accident attorneys in Florida can help you obtain additional information regarding your specific case. Since every case is different, it is important to speak with a professional who can offer even further advice. Call our offices at 863-709-8500 today to get on your way to getting compensated for all you’ve been through.
