What to Do if You’re a Passenger in a Vehicle Accident
Are you wondering what to do if you’re a passenger in a vehicle accident in Florida? Our team at Fasig | Brooks can help you go over the specific steps to take after your collision. We walk you through this challenging period to help you secure funds to cover your potential losses.
Your first steps generally involve reporting the accident, seeking medical care, and working with a legal professional. Go over these steps in greater detail by calling us or completing our online contact form.
Contact the Police if You Were a Passenger in an Accident
In the aftermath of an accident in Florida, it’s important that you reach out to the police and inform them of what happened. They can come to the scene of the accident, review what happened, and file an official report.
Ensure that you encourage the driver of your vehicle not to leave the accident scene before the police arrive. Leaving can result in hit-and-run charges for the driver, so it’s essential that they stay and speak with law enforcement.
The police may also provide a copy of the report to the driver involved in the accident.
Seek Medical Care if You Got Hurt in the Accident
What should you do if you’re a passenger in a vehicle accident and sustain an injury? First of all, we want you to know you’re not alone. According to the Department of Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, over 252,000 people sustained injuries in wrecks in 2021.
In this situation, you should seek medical care. Passengers can suffer injuries just as severe as the individual in the driver’s seat. Depending on the kind of collision you were in, you could find yourself dealing with:
- Broken bones
- Damage to your internal organs
- Cuts or burns
- Head, neck, or back injuries
- Brain injuries
You may need to call an ambulance if you have serious injuries or if someone else at the scene of the collision needs emergency care. You also have the option to drive to the hospital if you have less severe injuries.
Gather Information at the Accident Scene
If you were the passenger in a car accident in Florida, you could help the driver of your vehicle by gathering evidence from the collision scene. You can use the camera on your phone to take pictures of:
- Your injuries and the driver’s injuries
- The damage to the vehicle you were driving in
- The damage to other cars in the accident
- Hazards that led to the accident
Additionally, getting insurance information and other details from the driver who caused your accident is a good idea. You can also speak to witnesses at the scene for their contact information.
These details may help you – and the driver of your vehicle – to secure compensation for your losses after a collision.
Speak with a Lawyer if You Were the Passenger in an Accident
A lawyer can help you decide what to do if you’re a passenger in a vehicle accident in Florida. In many cases, you’ll file a claim with the insurance company for the driver of your vehicle. Florida’s insurance laws generally require these companies to cover your losses.
However, the insurance company may not fully cover losses tied to your medical expenses, which can include your:
- Emergency medical expenses
- Time spent in a hospital
- Surgeries, tests, and additional procedures
- Rehabilitation and physical therapy
- Medications
You may also request compensation for the time you took off from work due to your injuries. The insurance company may also cover your pain and suffering.
Property Damage Claims
Many passengers do not seek property damage compensation after an accident. However, if you owned a vehicle damaged in the wreck, you may have a chance to seek coverage for these losses.
A Florida car accident lawyer can review all your losses and help you file an insurance claim. Your lawyer can also check any offers made by the insurance company to ensure they cover your expenses. Finally, a law firm can answer your accident questions.
Does Car Insurance Cover All Passengers in Florida?
Generally, car insurance in Florida covers any passengers riding in a vehicle. Therefore, you may have a chance to seek damages for your losses even if a driver was transporting multiple people simultaneously.
Florida’s car insurance regulations mean that individuals hit by the vehicle may also claim compensation in some situations. A car accident lawyer can review your eligibility to seek compensation after a collision.
Do You Have Additional Legal Options After a Collision?
What should you do if you are a passenger in a vehicle accident and insurance coverage does not fully address your financial losses? If you sustained a severe injury, you might have a chance to file a lawsuit against the driver who caused the accident.
Generally, Florida treats injuries that result in serious long-term consequences, disabilities, or severe scarring as serious injuries. For example, the loss of a limb would be an example of a severe injury.
In these situations, a lawyer can step in to advise you about your steps to file a lawsuit. Remember that Florida’s statute of limitations means you only have a few years to seek damages to cover your losses.
Speak to Use if You Were the Passenger in a Car Wreck in Florida
Wondering what to do if you’re a passenger in a vehicle accident in Florida? In addition to notifying the police and getting medical care, make sure you reach out to a car accident lawyer for assistance. Our team at Fasig | Brooks can start helping you immediately.
Find out more about our services by calling us or filling out our online contact form.
