If you were recently injured as a passenger in a car accident, you may be wondering how much money you can receive to cover your damages. Car accidents can cause serious personal injuries, leading to expensive medical bills, lost income, and other costs. As an innocent passenger, you may be entitled to significant compensation through an injury claim or settlement.
Do Passengers Have the Right to File an Injury Claim After a Car Accident?
The simple answer is yes. As a passenger injured in a car accident, you can file a personal injury claim against the at-fault driver and their insurance company.
In Nevada, passengers have the same legal rights to pursue compensation as any other car accident victim. Your claim works just like any other injury claim following a car wreck.
The key is proving the other driver was responsible for causing the accident. As long as you weren’t at fault in any way, you have every right to hold the negligent driver accountable and receive compensation for your damages.
Steps to Take After a Car Accident as a Passenger
Being in a car accident can be disorienting, but as a passenger, there are important legal steps to take immediately:
- Seek medical attention for any possible injuries, even if they seem minor. Having documentation of treatment will support your injury claim.
- If possible, take photographs of any injuries and damage to property. These will be useful evidence later.
- Obtain contact details and insurance information for all drivers involved. The driver of the vehicle you’ve been traveling in is part of that.
- Ask witnesses for their contact information. Their accounts could help prove fault later.
- Contact the at-fault driver’s insurance company to file a claim.
- Contact an experienced Nevada car accident attorney for help investigating fault, valuing your claim, negotiating with insurers, and fighting for maximum compensation. An attorney protects your rights.
What Types of Damages Can Injured Passengers Recover After a Car Accident?
There are two main categories of damages injured car accident passengers may claim financial compensation for:
Economic Damages
These include tangible, documented losses like:
- Medical expenses – All medical bills related to treating crash-related injuries, from ambulance fees to hospital stays, medications, surgeries, physical therapy, and more
- Lost income – Wages or salary you missed out on if injuries prevented you from working
- Reduced earning capacity – Compensation for potential long-term loss of income if disabilities from injuries impact your career
Non-economic Damages
Non-tangible losses like:
- Pain and suffering – Compensation for physical and emotional trauma stemming from the crash.
- Loss of enjoyment of life – Impacts on hobbies, quality of life, relationships
- Disfigurement or disability
By pursuing a personal injury claim, passengers can recover damages across these categories (depending on case specifics). This encompasses both economic losses and harder-to-quantify impacts like pain and suffering.
How Much Money Can an Injured Passenger Expect to Receive on Average?
The average car accident settlement for minor injuries ranges from $3,000 to $75,000, depending on case details. More severe crashes involving significant injuries, disability, lost wages, and other major damages can result in settlements exceeding $100,000.
However, every car accident case is unique. There is no one-size-fits-all settlement amount, even for passengers with similar injuries. Key factors that influence individual settlement value include:
- The severity of injuries and medical treatment required
- Type and length of disability
- Policy limits of liable driver’s insurance coverage
- Lost income amounts
- Age of injured passenger
- Insurance companies involved
An experienced personal injury attorney can thoroughly examine case specifics to determine a reasonable compensation amount to seek for injured passengers.
Does a Passenger Need a Car Accident Lawyer?
Dealing with insurance adjusters can be frustrating, especially when recovering from injuries. Insurance companies are profit-driven and trained negotiators. Without legal representation, passengers risk settling for less than they deserve or missing filing deadlines.
An experienced personal injury attorney levels the playing field. They deal with insurance companies so you can focus on your health, know how to maximize compensation under Nevada law, and will not settle for less than fair value. If negotiations fail, they can take your case to court.
Act Now to Protect Your Rights After Being Injured as a Passenger
The Las Vegas car accident lawyers at Benjamin Durham Law Firm have a proven track record of helping injured passengers pursue maximum compensation in Nevada.
They can take care of every aspect of your claim so you can concentrate on getting better. To discuss your case with an attorney, contact their team online today.
