What are your rights as a victim of an auto accident when you’re the passenger?
When you’re a passenger in a car accident Bakersfield, you often have little control over the situation. You trust the driver to keep you safe, and yet accidents happen. The sunny streets of Bakersfield are no stranger to car collisions, and passengers who find themselves injured in these scenarios may wonder what recourse they have.
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Your Eligibility for Personal Injury Compensation
as a Passenger
Personal injury law states that passengers injured due to a motor vehicle accident on California roads have rights to recover compensation for car accident injuries. These include recovering losses for medical bills incurred in treating your injuries, any lost wages due to your inability to work, non-economic damages like pain and suffering, and several other potentially compensable damages.
Though you do not need to prove fault, you must establish that the accident caused your injuries. Your eligibility for compensation also hinges on whether there are severe injuries, the level of negligence of the at-fault party, the type of car accident, and your insurance coverage. An experienced Bakersfield car accident lawyer can help you navigate these requirements and improve your chances of getting the medical treatment you need and money you deserve.
Passenger in a Car Accident Bakersfield:
What Can You Get?
The compensation that car accident victims can get varies greatly. Let’s break down what you may be able to claim:
Economic Damages
These are expenses that have a clear financial cost, such as medical bills, car repair costs, and lost wages.
Non-Economic Damages
These damages are less tangible but equally important, covering aspects like pain and suffering, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life.
Punitive Damages
In some cases, if the at-fault driver was particularly reckless or malicious, the passenger in a car accident may be awarded punitive damages. These are intended to punish the driver and deter others from acting similarly.
Case Examples of Passenger Compensation
To illustrate passenger compensation rights, let’s consider a few notable case examples:
- In a lawsuit following a car accident, a passenger was awarded substantial compensation when it was found that the driver had been negligent in observing traffic signals. The passenger suffered serious injuries, including a broken arm and whiplash, which required extensive medical treatment and resulted in lost wages. The court found that the driver was solely responsible for the accident and ordered them to pay for all of the passenger’s damages.
- In another case, a passenger on a bus was injured when the driver made an abrupt stop without warning. The passenger hit their head on the seat in front of them, resulting in a concussion. The bus company was held liable for the passenger’s medical bills and lost wages as well as additional compensation for pain and suffering.
In both of these cases, the passengers were able to receive compensation because they were not at fault. Passengers have every right to seek damages if you are injured due to the negligence or carelessness of a driver. This includes accidents involving cars, buses, trains, and even ridesharing services like Uber or Lyft.
As a passenger, you have a duty to mitigate your damages. This means that you should seek medical treatment as soon as possible to prevent further injury and show documentation of your injuries for any legal proceedings. You should also keep track of any expenses related to the accident such as medical bills, transportation costs, and lost wages.
Seeking Legal Support After a Bakersfield Car Accident.
Call RTM Law Firm for a Free Case Review.
It is crucial to seek the support of an experienced car accident lawyer. Legal representation will help you gather evidence, navigate the complex legal system, and ensure that you receive the compensation you’re entitled to.
For Kern County residents reeling from the aftermath of a car accident, knowing your rights and seeking proper legal counsel can make all the difference in your recovery. If you’re the passenger in a car accident Bakersfield, the road to healing and compensation is complex, but you don’t have to tread it alone. Legal professionals, like the team at RTM Law Firm, are dedicated to advocating for your rights and ensuring you receive fair compensation for your accident claim.
Remember, as a passenger, your safety is paramount. But if you’re injured in a car accident, your rights to seek compensation must not be overlooked. Understanding these and the path to succeeding at an injury claim is the first step in your journey to recovery and restitution.
Contact our Bakersfield personal injury attorney today for a free consultation. Call (661) 4023200.
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We Help Accident Victims File
a Personal Injury Claim in Bakersfield, CA
Our Bakersfield personal injury attorneys handle a wide range of personal injury claims in several areas, including:
✔ Algoso
✔ Baker Street
✔ Belsera
✔ Campus Park
✔ Casa Loma
✔ East Bakersfield
✔ Fuller Acres
✔ Gosford
✔ Greenacres
✔ Homaker Park
✔ Kayandee
✔ Kern City
✔ La Cresta/Alta Vista
✔ Lakeview
✔ Laurel Glen
✔ Lonsmith
✔ Maltha
✔ Mondavi
✔ Mountain Meadows
✔ Oakridge
✔ Oil Junction
✔ Oildale
✔ Old River
✔ Oleander/Sunset
✔ Olive Drive Area
✔ Panama
✔ Park Stockdale
✔ Polo Grounds
✔ Quailwood
✔ Rexland Acres
✔ Rosedale
✔ Sagepointe
✔ San Trope
✔ Seven Oaks
✔ South San Lauren
✔ Spice Tract
✔ Stone Creek
✔ Terra Vista
✔ Tevis Ranch
✔ Tyler Homes
✔ Venola
✔ West Park Community