Massachusetts Personal Injury and Workers' Compensation Law Blog
What Are My Rights As A Passenger In A Car Accident?
Americans spend roughly 1 million hours annually in hospitals due to injuries from motor vehicle accidents. Many of these injury victims are passengers. As a motor vehicle accident attorney in Massachusetts, our office frequently represents injured passengers against the driver(s) that caused their injuries. If you had a car crash as a passenger in Massachusetts, it is important for you to know what your rights are, and the compensation you may be entitled to.
Who Pays My Medical Bills?
If you sustained injuries in the crash, you can have your medical bills paid by the insurance company for the vehicle you were in at the time of the crash. This is part of the no-fault Personal Injury Protection (PIP) automobile insurance system in place in Massachusetts. The insurance company for the car you were in is responsible to pay up to $ 8000 in medical bills, and lost wages you may incur. If you have private health insurance, your bills will be submitted to them for payment. If the driver of the car you were in was not at-fault for the accident, then they will be paid back by the insurance company for the at-fault driver for all medical bills and lost wages they paid out to you. These benefits are also available to pedestrians and bicyclists struck by motor vehicles, regardless of fault.
Which Party Can Be Held Responsible?
If the driver of the car you were in was at-fault, then a claim and possible eventual lawsuit can be filed. If the driver of the other vehicle was at fault, then that party can be sued. If both drivers are responsible, then they can both be sued. If the injuries to the passenger are serious, then the Massachusetts Superior Court is the appropriate court. If the injuries are less serious, then the Massachusetts District Court would be the appropriate court to file the lawsuit.
A Massachusetts Passenger Accident Lawyer That Can Help You
If you were injured in a car wreck as a passenger, I encourage you to contact the Earley Law Group Injury Lawyers today for your free consultation. Our office would be happy to assist you with your case and we look forward to helping you. We don’t get paid unless we win your case!