When vehicle accidents occur in Tennessee, drivers and their auto insurance companies immediately want to determine who to hold responsible for the crash. If you were a passenger in a car accident, it can be difficult to identify the party responsible for your losses. Passengers have just as much right as drivers to pursue compensation for their injuries and financial losses.
If you were a passenger in a vehicle accident and do not know who to hold liable for the crash, the Law Offices of Ogle, Elrod & Baril, PLLC, can help you determine the negligent party and help you get reimbursement for your damages. You may be eligible to recover compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
We have decades of collective experience of helping injury accident victims reclaim their lives after a devastating automobile accident. We can help you, too. Call us today at 865-546-1111 for a free, no-obligation legal consultation with a passenger injury accident lawyer in Knoxville.
As a Passenger, Who Do I Hold Liable for My Injuries?
All drivers owe their passengers a duty to drive carefully. Drivers who cause accidents because of negligent actions breach their duty of care. If a passenger suffers quantifiable damages because of that breach, the driver is responsible for those losses.
We will conduct an investigation to determine which driver to hold liable for your accident. Typically, we find that police reports identify the at-fault driver and the cause of the crash. The report may note that the driver was:
- Driving without a valid license;
- Driving while impaired;
- Speeding;
- Driving while distracted, including behaviors like texting and driving or using the phone while behind the wheel; or
- Ignoring traffic signals or signs.
We do not rely solely on the police report, however. We collect other evidence, such as medical records showing the severity of your injuries, photographs of the accident scene, and statements from other eyewitnesses to the accident.
What If Both Drivers Contributed to the Accident?
Depending on the circumstances of your crash, you have several options when it comes to filing a claim for compensation. You can file a claim against:
- The insurance company of the driver of the car you were a passenger in;
- The other driver’s insurance company;
- The auto insurance providers of both drivers; or
- Your own auto insurer, if the other drivers are uninsured or do not have enough insurance to cover your accident-related expenses.
We will help you decide which option works best for you based on your injuries, the circumstances of your crash, and each driver’s insurance coverage.
When Should I Seek Coverage From My Own Insurance Policy?
Some drivers carry low levels of liability coverage, while others have no insurance at all. If you have auto insurance, your policy may include Uninsured or Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage. This coverage protects you when a driver who causes an accident does not have adequate insurance to cover your damages.
If the at-fault driver was uninsured—or does not have adequate coverage to pay for your injuries—we can help you file a claim with your own insurer for compensation. Tennessee does allow motorists to opt out of UM/UIM coverage, so if you are not sure if you carry this coverage, contact us today. We can examine your policy to determine your coverage.
What If I Was a Passenger in a Rideshare Vehicle at the Time of the Crash?
If you were utilizing a rideshare service, such as Uber or Lyft, and your driver caused a crash, the rideshare company is responsible for your damages. State law mandates rideshare companies to carry at least $1 million in coverage for injury, death, and property damage that occurs if one of their employees causes an accident while driving with a passenger.
We can help you hold the rideshare company responsible if your driver caused your crash.
Our Attorneys Can Negotiate Your Claim.
No matter who was at fault for your wreck, we will negotiate your claim with the insurance company until they agree to pay a fair settlement. Insurance adjusters frequently offer low settlements or deny claims to save the company money. We know the games these companies play and we counter with strong defenses. When auto insurers refuse to cooperate, we recommend filing a personal injury lawsuit.
Call the Law Offices of Ogle, Elrod & Baril, PLLC, for a Free Consultation About Your Claim.
As an injured passenger, you can trust the Law Offices of Ogle, Elrod & Baril, PLLC, to help you recover compensation for your financial losses. Contact us now at 865-546-1111 to speak with an attorney about the legal options available to you. We work on a contingency basis, so you do not pay for our services unless we recover compensation on your behalf. Let us help you recover after a crash.