passenger in a car accident in Mississippi

What Are My Rights as a Passenger in a Car Accident Case?

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Being hurt as a passenger in someone else’s car can be a helpless feeling. While the driver of the vehicle you were in has their insurance to advocate for them, it might feel like you have no one looking for your best interests. If you were injured in a crash, you may very well be entitled to compensation for your losses—but how are you supposed to get it?

That’s where we step in to help. If you were hurt in a car crash, you may be owed compensation by the liable party. Our team will help you fight for it. Give Reeves & Mestayer a call at 228-300-2754 to set up a consultation right away.

Plan Early for a Personal Injury Claim

From the very beginning, you should be taking a proactive approach toward the accident and the possibility of compensation. While the person driving the vehicle you were in may be taking pictures and gathering evidence, don’t assume that their evidence will be available to you.

For example, what if they turn out to be the liable party? In that case, you’ll definitely want your own photos and evidence backing up your claim. At the scene of the crash, take pictures and video footage. If there are any eyewitnesses, get their contact information and save it. Get your own copy of the police report once it’s ready.

You Could Be Entitled to Compensation

Accident victims are often able to receive compensation if they are injured in a crash. A lot comes down to whether or not they are able to prove their claims or the other party’s liability. Some of the compensation that may be available to you includes:

  • Medical bills and related expenses
  • Lost wages and work benefits
  • Property damage
  • Mental trauma
  • Pain and suffering

Just like you’ll need evidence of the crash itself, you’ll need evidence of your damages and losses. Any time you incur an expense related to the accident, make note of it and keep any documentation you can find. This will be very helpful to your attorney.

Holding the Liable Party Accountable

A big part of any personal injury claim is finding the liable party. That can be particularly tricky as a passenger, as one of the drivers is usually the liable party. If the liable driver was the friend or family member driving the vehicle you were in, you may be wary of talking to an attorney or seeking compensation.

You may not want to rock the boat or put your friendship at risk. Remember, though, this isn’t about punishing the other person—it’s about getting what you deserve in an accident that wasn’t your fault. You aren’t trying to hurt them. You are just trying to get compensation for your medical bills and other expenses.

In some cases, people other than drivers are liable. Potentially liable parties include the manufacturer of the vehicle, the city or county responsible for maintaining the roads, and a repair shop that used unsafe components in a repair.

Do You Need a Lawyer?

You absolutely need your own attorney throughout this process. At this point, you still don’t definitively know who the liable party is. You need an attorney that can research the crash for you, figure out who caused it, and determine how to get the compensation you are due.

This is a lot of work, especially if you are trying to recover from serious injuries. An attorney will take that weight off of your shoulders and let you focus on your own healing process. It’s crucial to have an advocate who is fighting for your best interests.

Imagine, for example, if your friend or family member turns out to be the person who caused the crash. At that point, you can’t really rely on their insurance company or attorney to do what is right for you. You need us.

Choose Reeves & Mestayer for Your Personal Injury Claim

The sooner you connect with Reeves & Mestayer after your crash, the sooner we can start building a solid personal injury claim for you. Take advantage of your free consultation now. Just call us at 228-300-2754 or send us a message online to get on our schedule.