Being hurt in a car accident is disorienting under any circumstances. But when you are a passenger, it can feel even more confusing. You were not behind the wheel. You did not cause the crash. And now you are dealing with injuries, medical bills, and a lot of unanswered questions about what your options actually are.
As an injured passenger in Louisiana, you have the full right to pursue compensation. You are almost certainly not at fault, and the law is on your side. You need an experienced Baton Rouge accident attorney to protect your rights and help you recover the compensation you are entitled to.
What Are My Rights as an Injured Passenger in Louisiana?
Louisiana law treats injured passengers the same as any other injured person in a personal injury claim. You have the right to seek compensation from whoever caused the crash. In many passenger cases, that means you have more than one option for where to turn to recover damages.
If the driver of another vehicle caused the accident, you can file a claim against that driver’s liability insurance. If the driver of the car you were riding in caused the accident or contributed to it, you can file a claim against their liability insurance. And if both drivers share fault for the crash, you may be able to pursue claims against both insurance policies.
The fact that the at-fault driver is someone you know or are related to does not change your rights and should not impact your decision to file a claim. A liability insurance claim is a claim against the policy, not a personal financial attack on the driver. This is exactly what liability insurance exists for, and you should not be left without compensation simply because of your relationship with the driver.
Compensation Recoverable For Passenger Injuries
Injured passengers are entitled to pursue the same full range of damages available to any accident victim. In a successful claim, you could recover economic damages such as medical costs, lost wages, and property damage (if any of your belongings were damaged in the accident).
You can also recover non-economic damages, including pain and suffering, mental and emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and other intangible losses.
If an intoxicated driver caused your injuries, you may be awarded punitive damages in addition to economic and non-economic damages. An experienced Baton Rouge car accident injury lawyer can help maximize your compensation.
You Need to Act Quickly After a Louisiana Car Accident
While you typically have two years to file a personal injury claim after a car accident in Louisiana, there are exceptions. You could have a shorter time to file your claim. Additionally, vital evidence can be destroyed or lost over time, so you should promptly consult an experienced Baton Rouge car accident attorney to know your deadline and protect your claim.
Contact an Experienced Baton Rouge Accident Lawyer Today
At Chris Corzo Injury Attorneys, our car accident attorneys have a proven record of securing maximum compensation for our clients, and we want to do the same for you.
If you have been injured as a passenger in a car accident, call our car accident lawyers in Baton Rouge today at (225) 999-1111 or complete our contact form to schedule a free consultation and discuss your claim. Our accident attorneys will listen to you, answer your questions, and fight tirelessly to secure every dollar you are entitled to.