What Are My Rights as a Passenger in a Car That Has Been in an Accident?

You have a right to hold the at-fault driver responsible for any injuries you suffered in the car accident. You’re entitled to pursue compensation as a passenger for your:

  • Medical expenses
  • Lost wages
  • Pain and suffering

Contact a car accident lawyer at the Law Offices of Ogle, Elrod & Baril, PLLC. We help injury accident victims get compensated for their losses. Call us today at 865-546-1111 to find out how we can help you.

Do I Have a Right to Ask Drivers for Their Insurance Information?

Yes, you have a right to ask the drivers for this information so that you can file a claim with their insurance companies. Make sure you get the following information from all drivers involved in the accident:

  • Names and telephone numbers
  • License plates and/or vehicle registration numbers
  • Name of auto insurance company and policy numbers

How Do I Get Compensated for My Injury?

You can get compensation from the at-fault driver’s insurance company. Tennessee has a fault insurance system. This means that the driver who causes a car wreck pays for the damages from the accident.

Also, Tennessee requires vehicle owners and drivers to have minimum bodily liability coverage of $25,000 for one injury or death and $50,000 for all injuries or deaths in an accident. Bodily insurance pays for injuries up to the limits of the driver’s policy.

You may pursue an insurance claim and/or lawsuit against the at-fault driver to recover compensation for your losses.

We recommend that you collect proof of your injuries and which driver was responsible for the accident. We can help you by gathering evidence that supports your claim. This includes:

  • Investigating your car accident
  • Obtaining a police report of the accident
  • Interviewing eyewitnesses
  • Securing video footage from a traffic or surveillance camera of your accident

We also work with subject matter experts such as accident reconstruction specialists and medical expert witnesses. We use our resources to help you build your case.

What If the Insurance Company Wants to Question Me About the Accident?

Be careful when talking to an insurance claims adjuster. What you tell an adjuster may affect the settlement of your claim. We advise you to have a lawyer speak to the insurer on your behalf.

Even though you were a passenger, do not be surprised if an adjuster questions you about your actions at the time of the accident.  For instance, you may be accused of distracting the driver if you were talking excessively or showing the driver photos or a text message on your phone.

What If the Drivers Do Not Have Car Insurance?

You can still recover compensation if you have auto insurance that includes Uninsured Motorist Coverage (UM). You can file a claim with your own insurance company to use your UM coverage—even though you were a passenger in someone else’s vehicle. UM coverage protects you when an uninsured motorist causes an accident.

A similar insurance coverage is Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UIM). You can use this policy when an insured driver causes an accident but the driver’s insurance is not sufficient to cover all of your damages. This coverage should pay for the rest of your damages.

Call the Law Offices of Ogle, Elrod & Baril, PLLC Today

We can protect your rights as a passenger to get compensated for all of your losses. Call us now at 865-546-1111 to schedule a free consultation.