As a passenger in an Illinois car accident, you might wonder whether you’re entitled to compensation and how much you can obtain. Injured passengers can still recover financially after a motor vehicle crash in Illinois, but the amount depends on the details of your passenger injury case.
Learn how much money you can expect as a passenger in a car accident and the steps towards getting it. Continue reading or call a Chicago car accident attorney to schedule a free initial consultation. (312) 736-0761.
Most Illinois insurance policies cover passenger injuries after a car accident. If you were injured in a Chicago rideshare accident, such as an Uber or Lyft, you may be able to file a claim under the company’s insurance or through the driver’s personal auto insurance policy.
Still, you might find it challenging to recover the compensation you’re entitled to. Insurance companies often use tactics to undermine a victim’s injuries and avoid paying as much as possible. They may deny your claim or offer a lowball settlement to dodge accountability and financial loss.
It’s essential for you to consult with an aggressive personal injury lawyer who can negotiate with insurance on your behalf and fight for the outcome you deserve.
Injured passengers might hesitate to take legal action after a car crash, especially if they were riding with the at-fault driver.
Passengers have every right to pursue compensation regardless of their connection to the person behind the wheel. If you’re worried that filing a claim or lawsuit will cause tension in your relationship, know that you can avoid financial repercussions and hard feelings.
However, your means of securing compensation will vary based on your proximity to the at-fault party.
If you’re related to and live with the at-fault driver, you may be unable to file a claim. Most car insurance policies have a household exclusion. This prevents family members under the same roof—including spouses, parents, children, and siblings—from filing a claim against each other.
In this instance, you can choose a different route to obtain compensation, such as a lawsuit.
Suing your relative might make things awkward at the next family dinner, but they typically won’t pay anything out-of-pocket. You’ll deal with their insurance company for the most part, and the insurer will negotiate compensation with your lawyer before paying you accordingly.
You can file a claim or lawsuit to pursue compensation if you don’t live with the at-fault driver. In either case, the driver likely won’t pay anything out-of-pocket. The suit or claim will go through their insurance, and the company will be liable for your damages.
Your friend might see an uptick in their insurance rate after, but if you could forgive them for causing your injuries, they can move past an extra cost. Friends and loved ones should help you recover however they can.
Recent data shows that around 6,000 car accident fatalities in one year were passengers. Those who survive a Chicago motor vehicle crash might face serious physical injuries, mental trauma, and other debilitating damages.
You can receive compensation for your damages after a car accident whether or not you were behind the wheel. Losses you may recover as a passenger involved in a crash include:
There isn’t a specific amount of compensation you can receive. Your reward depends on a variety of factors that your lawyer will calculate.
Factors that influence a passenger’s compensation include the extent of their damages, future expenses, quality of life, disability, and more. Compensation aims to make a victim “whole” again after an accident, so more significant damages should realistically equate to a higher settlement.
Once your attorney determines the value of your claim, they can advocate for you to get the full amount you deserve. Seek out a lawyer who has experience handling similar cases. That way, they understand the value of your case and have an appropriate multiplier for calculating your damages.
Passengers are vulnerable in car accidents and may suffer severe or fatal injuries. If you were injured in an Illinois motor vehicle crash, you may be entitled to compensation to help pay recovery costs.
To find out how much money you can get as a passenger in a car accident, contact an experienced Chicago attorney for an evaluation of your case. Staver Accident Injury Lawyers, P.C., has represented car accident victims throughout Illinois for decades. Our team knows what it takes to build a successful claim and earn clients the maximum compensation for damages.
Schedule a free consultation with our passenger accident lawyers today at (312) 736-0761 or through our online contact form.
When you’re fighting for maximum compensation, we know what it takes to get it.
