Have you been recently injured in a car accident where you were a passenger? If so, you may be eligible to receive compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. Continue reading to learn how you can file a claim for car accident injuries as a passenger. For more information, request a consultation with our car accident attorney.
What happens if you’re a passenger in a car accident?
If you’re the passenger in a car accident, you’re most likely covered under the personal injury protection (PIP) coverage of the driver in your vehicle. A no-fault claim only covers lost wages, medical bills, and other out-of-pocket losses up to policy limits -- not non-economic damages like pain and suffering.
However, if you sustained serious car accident injuries, you may be able to file a liability claim against the at-fault driver(s) that would include non-economic damages.
READ MORE: Who Pays for Property Damage After a Car Accident? >>
Your Next Steps
Our car accident attorney will be able to review the facts of your case to determine your next steps. For example, our car accident lawyer can help you step outside the no-fault system and file a claim against the at-fault driver(s) if your case meets certain conditions.
Michigan Statute of Limitations
It’s important that you seek compensation for medical bills and other damages before you run out of time. The Michigan statute of limitations gives you 3 years from the date of the car accident to file a personal injury claim.
You won’t be eligible to receive compensation once this deadline passes--no matter how deserving your claim. Our car accident lawyer can help you meet deadlines so you can hold negligent drivers and their insurance companies accountable.
Seatbelt Laws
In Michigan, it’s illegal for front-seat passengers to not wear seatbelts. If you weren’t wearing your seatbelt at the time of the car accident, you may be found partially responsible for your own injuries.
Michigan is a “Comparative Negligence” state, which means that the at-fault driver’s insurance company may argue that your injuries wouldn’t have been as severe had you worn a seatbelt. While you can still file a claim, the compensation you receive will be reduced by the percentage amount you are found responsible for your own car accident injuries.
Seatbelts save lives by keeping the driver and passengers restrained so they’re not thrown from the vehicle. If you didn’t wear your seatbelt, you run the risk of not getting full compensation you would have otherwise received for . That’s why it’s important to hire our car accident attorney as soon as possible to fight for your rights.
We recommend hiring our as soon as possible to represent your case. Lack of insurance, not wearing a seatbelt, and other factors can make your case more complicated. Fortunately, our car accident attorney can help you understand your rights as an injured passenger so you receive the compensation you deserve.
Call For a Consultation!
Car accident attorney Jerry M. Beurkens is dedicated to helping clients recover the damages they deserve. To request a consultation with our car accident attorney in Grand Rapids MI, call Beurkens Law at (616) 459-5344.
This blog has been updated.
