Billy Car accidents, bike accidents, and pedestrian accidents are all too common. In the event that you or a loved one is injured as a passenger in a car accident that is not your fault, it’s important to know your options for compensation. Here are the legal options for passengers injured in a car accident that are available in most states.
No-Fault Insurance
No-fault insurance is required in all states, and if you are a passenger in a car accident that is not your fault, you can take advantage of it with the help of a Philadelphia car accident lawyer. No-fault insurance will pay for medical expenses, lost wages, and sometimes repair or replacement of your vehicle.
Compensatory Damages
Compensatory damages are essentially “compensation”. They are intended to make up for the damage done to you, however that damage currently exists. For instance, if you have a permanent injury that takes some time to manifest, compensatory damages may be calculated based on the extent of the damage prior to your injury.
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages are meant to punish the person responsible for your injuries. They can be given in addition to compensatory damages, but usually only after the trial process has concluded and upon a finding that the defendant was guilty of wrongdoing.
Attorneys’ Fees and Costs
If your injuries require a lot of time or resources to recover, you can bring in an expert witness or other medical professionals who will help you prove your case. This will also allow you to recover the costs associated with their services.
The Pain and Suffering Clause
Alabama has a “pain and suffering” clause that allows certain passengers to seek compensation for their own losses by way of punitive damages if they can show that the injuries they have sustained have caused them emotional pain and suffering.
The Recovery of Medical Costs
The medical benefits that you have paid for with your health insurance may allow you to recover some of the expenses involved with your injury, including hospital bills and doctor’s fees. The amount that can be recovered depends on the amount of insurance coverage.
Loss of Earning Capacity
A passenger who is totally disabled as a result of the injuries they sustained in an accident may be entitled to receive Social Security compensation for any loss in earning capacity.
