What Should I Do If I’m Injured as a Passenger in a Tampa Car Accident?
When you ride as a passenger in someone’s car, you trust that they’ll drive safely and make proper decisions. Unfortunately, accidents do happen, even to the most careful and responsible drivers. When they do, you might find yourself injured and unsure of what to do next. Since you weren’t behind the wheel, you might wonder who is responsible for your medical bills and expenses and how you can claim such unexpected costs. The good news is that as a passenger, you have legal rights and options to seek compensation. Below, we discuss what you can do if you’re injured as a passenger in a car accident in Tampa.
Can a Passenger File a Personal Injury Claim in Florida?
Florida law allows passengers injured in a car accident to file a personal injury claim, just like drivers do. As a passenger, you may be eligible to seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. Since passengers are rarely at fault for the accident, the claims process is usually more straightforward. However, who you file a claim against depends on who caused the accident:
- If another driver was at fault for the accident, you may have a claim against their insurance
- You can file a claim against the driver’s insurance if the other driver was responsible
- If both drivers share fault, you may have claims against multiple parties
- If the vehicle is owned by another party (not all drivers own the vehicles they drive), you may need to file a claim against the vehicle owner’s insurance.
One key factor in Florida is the state’s no-fault insurance system, where your initial medical bills may be covered by the Personal Injury Protection (PIP) policy of the driver you were riding with or your own auto insurance. Florida car owners must have at least $10,000 in Personal Injury Protection (PIP), which helps cover 80% of medical costs for the driver and passengers, up to the policy limit, regardless of fault. However, if your injuries are serious, you may file a claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance or even pursue a lawsuit.
Steps To Take After Being Injured as a Passenger
If you’re involved in a car accident as a passenger, below are the steps you should take to protect your rights and strengthen your claim:
- Call the police: A police report can be critical in proving your case
- Gather information: Get the names, contact details, and insurance information of all drivers involved. If there are witnesses, get their information too.
- Take pictures: Document the accident scene and any visible injuries
- Seek prompt medical attention: Even if you feel okay at that moment, some injuries take time to appear. Ensure you pay a visit to a doctor for a checkup. A doctor’s visit also creates a medical record, which helps if you file a claim.
- Talk to a personal injury lawyer: An experienced attorney can help you understand your options and ensure you get fair compensation.
Contact Us for Legal Help
If you were injured as a passenger, contact our Tampa car accident lawyer at The Pendas Law Firm today to explore your options and start working on your case.
The Pendas Law Firm also represents clients in the Ocala, Miami, Fort Myers, Fort Lauderdale, Daytona Beach, West Palm Beach, Jacksonville, Bradenton, Orlando, Naples, and Melbourne areas.