Being in a car accident can be scary and traumatic, and it could leave you with either minor or major injuries. And if you were the passenger in a car that was involved in an accident, you might think you have nowhere to turn to get compensation for your medical costs, lost wages as you take time off work to recuperate, and other miscellaneous expenses. After all—you were not one of the drivers involved, so what recourse do you have?

The Hadden Law Firm wants you to know that as a passenger, you have the same rights as the drivers in the accident to seek personal injury compensation for your damages. If you were a passenger in a car accident in the greater Atlanta metropolitan area, The Hadden Law Firm can help you.

WHAT TO DO AFTER AN ACCIDENT

Immediately following a car accident in which you were a passenger in one of the vehicles, the first thing you should do is determine whether you have been injured and how severe your injuries are. If you think you need medical attention or notice that one of the drivers needs help, call 911. Your first priority should be your own safety and the safety of the others involved in the accident.

The drivers involved in an accident will most likely exchange information such as names, addresses, phone numbers, and insurance information. As a passenger, you should get this information, too. You should also get a copy of the police report. Since Georgia is not a “no-fault” state when it comes to insurance, it is critical that you find out who will be determined to be at fault for the accident, because it will be that driver’s insurance who will be liable for any costs associated with the accident, including your costs as the passenger.

Most likely the person you were riding with is a friend or family member, and if they were at fault for causing the accident, you may be reluctant to file a claim against their insurance. But just remember this: you have the right to seek compensation for your injuries just as much as the drivers in the accident do. You should not worry that filing a claim against your friend or relative’s insurance will make their rates go up. If they were at fault for the accident, their rates are probably going to go up anyway.