If you were a passenger in a vehicle that was involved in a car accident and you’ve sustained injuries, you should know that you have your own legal rights as a passenger. Like an injured driver, you may be able to obtain compensation for your injuries from those responsible for the accident. Call an experienced Long Island car accident lawyer immediately to ensure your legal rights are protected.
Injured Passenger Rights and Responsibilities
New York has what’s called no-fault automobile insurance. What this means is that insurance companies must pay for legitimate car accident-related medical expenses, lost wages, and other incidental expenses regardless of who was at fault in a car accident. If you are injured in a motor vehicle accident in New York, any no-fault insurance payments you receive for medical or other expenses come from the covered vehicle, no matter whether you were the driver or the passenger of that vehicle. Typically, no-fault claims must be filed within thirty days of the accident, so it is imperative that you consult with a skilled and dedicated New York Car Accident Lawyer as soon as possible to preserve your legal right to compensation.
It is important to note that no-fault insurance claims are separate and distinct from bodily injury claims. Accordingly, if you are injured in an accident, again, no matter whether you are the driver or the passenger, or even a pedestrian or bicyclist, who may have the right to file a claim against the negligent individual(s) for your injury and other damages such as pain and suffering.
Since passengers may be entitled to compensation either under New York’s no-fault law or a separate bodily injury claim, if you are involved in an accident as a passenger, you should take steps to document any evidence that might be relevant to your claim. At the scene of the accident, if you are able, take pictures and jot down notes so that you can remember the details of the accident. Like drivers who are involved in accidents, passengers should also obtain the names, contact and insurance information of anyone who was involved in or a witness to the accident. It is particularly important to obtain the insurance information of the driver of the vehicle in which you were a passenger. You should also prioritize medical treatment for any injuries and keep records of your treatment and any medical or other expenses that you incur.
Contact a Long Accident Car Accident Attorney
If you’ve been injured in an auto accident in and you were a passenger in one of the vehicles involved, it is imperative that you speak with an experienced Long Island personal injury attorney right away. An experienced Nassau County motor vehicle accident lawyer can advise you of your rights and responsibilities and can help you achieve the best possible results in your case. Call the Law Office of Cohen & Jaffe, LLP today at (516) 358-6900 and find out what we can do for you. We are available 24/7.
For a free legal consultation, call 516-358-6900
The information provided on this website does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice; instead, all information, content, and materials available on this site are for general informational purposes only. Information on this website may not constitute the most up-to-date legal or other information and may not be applicable in your jurisdiction.
