Thousands of people suffer injuries in car accidents across California every year. Many of these people were simply riding along and did nothing to contribute to the crash that hurt them. However, if a passenger in a car accident does not take the right steps, he or she could miss out on recovering fair compensation.
When it comes to these situations, the Redlands car accident attorney at Dolen, Tucker, Tierney & Abraham is ready to provide the help you need. Our attorney has practiced law since 1984, so he has the experience to help in your time of need. Here is what you should do after suffering a passenger injury in an auto accident.
What to Do if I Am a Passenger in a Car Accident?
Knowing what to do in case you are the passenger in a car accident is important. In 2017, 74,831 passengers were either injured or lost their lives in California motor vehicle crashes (SWITRS). So, this type of car accident injury claim is not rare. Remember these steps if you suffer an injury while riding in someone else's vehicle.
- Call 911. If you or someone else has suffered an injury in a car accident, your first priority should be to seek medical attention. Your safety is what is most important. Call 9-1-1 to alert first responders and authorities that a crash has happened. They will send help to you immediately.
- Cooperate with the police. Remain calm and give a detailed account of what happened to the police. The report that officers create will be very important to any injury claim you make. It will also help establish who is at fault for the crash.
- Collect evidence. Snapping pictures or videos of the crash scene can provide valuable evidence for any future claims or lawsuits. If you are able, take pictures of everything. Talk to any witnesses and get their contact information. You should also collect the insurance and contact information of all the drivers involved in the crash.
- Contact an attorney. When it comes to collecting compensation for passengers in a car accident, things can get complex. Determining who is responsible for the crash is only the first step. Many details will determine if you will be collecting compensation from:
- Your own insurance,
- Your driver's insurance, or
- The at-fault driver's insurance.
Depending on your situation, you may have to pursue compensation from multiple sources. Gathering the evidence, hunting down the responsible parties and filing the proper claims and lawsuits can be difficult. Imagine trying to do this while also recovering from a serious injury.
Contact the Redlands Car Accident Attorney With the Experience to Help
Being the passenger in a car accident can be frightening and confusing. Suffering an injury in this situation can make matters even worse. Do not try to face this nightmare alone. James F. Tierney, III has faced these issues before. He can help guide you through the process of getting the compensation you need. Call (909) 473-4948 to set up a free consultation today.