If you’ve been injured as a passenger in a car accident, it’s important to take the right steps to protect your health and legal rights. This includes seeking medical attention, documenting the incident, and contacting an experienced personal injury attorney. Missouri law gives passengers the right to pursue compensation from the at-fault driver, whether it’s the driver of the vehicle you were in or another party.
For over 40 years, our experienced car accident attorneys at Buchanan, Williams & O’Brien, P.C., have helped injured clients across Missouri, and we’re ready to help you, too. We are proud to have earned successful case results that have given clients the compensation they need and deserve.
Steps to Take If You’re Injured as a Passenger in a Car Accident
As noted, if you’ve been injured as a passenger in a Missouri car accident, taking the right steps after the crash can make a critical difference in your recovery. Missouri law allows injured passengers to pursue compensation through the at-fault driver’s insurance coverage, even when the driver is a friend, family member, or someone they know.
The checklist below outlines how to protect your health, preserve evidence, and strengthen your legal claim.
- Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Even if you feel okay, it’s essential to consult a medical professional. Some injuries don’t show symptoms immediately, and early documentation is crucial for your claim.
- Call 911 and Cooperate with Police: Make sure the accident is reported and that your name is included in the police report as a passenger. This creates an official record of your involvement and any injuries.
- Gather Contact Information: Obtain the names, phone numbers, and insurance details of all drivers involved, even if you weren’t in their vehicle.
- Collect Witness Information: Ask for names and contact details of any bystanders who saw the accident. Their statements may help clarify fault.
- Take Photos and Video: If you’re physically able, document the crash scene, vehicle damage, road conditions, and any visible injuries.
- Document Your Injuries and Symptoms: Keep a written record of how you feel in the hours and days following the crash. Save all medical records, prescriptions, and receipts related to your care.
- Avoid Making Statements to Insurance Companies: Don’t give recorded statements or accept any settlement offers until you’ve spoken with an attorney. Anything you say could be used to minimize your claim.
- Contact a Personal Injury Attorney: An experienced lawyer can help determine which driver(s) may be liable and guide you through the claims process. At Buchanan, Williams & O’Brien, your consultation is free, and early legal involvement can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.
How Passenger Claims Differ from Driver Claims
Being a passenger in a motor vehicle typically means you have less control over the events leading to the crash. However, this can also simplify parts of your claim since liability usually rests with one or more drivers, not with you.
As a passenger, you may also have several potential sources of coverage, including:
- The at-fault driver’s liability insurance: This is the primary source of compensation. If the driver who caused the accident has car insurance, their policy may cover your medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages, even if you were riding in their vehicle.
- Your own medical payments (MedPay) or uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage: If you have auto insurance, these coverages may help pay your medical bills. MedPay can cover your treatment costs regardless of who caused the accident, while UM/UIM protection applies if the at-fault driver has little or no insurance.
- A combination of policies if multiple drivers share fault: When more than one driver is legally responsible for the crash, multiple insurance policies may apply. While you won’t automatically recover from every at-fault party, accessing more than one policy can help ensure your damages are covered, particularly if one driver’s coverage is insufficient.
An experienced car accident lawyer can evaluate the available insurance coverage and guide you toward the most effective path to pursue full and fair compensation for your losses and damages.
Proven Results, Personalized Attention, No Upfront Fees: Work with Buchanan, Williams & O’Brien
At Buchanan, Williams & O’Brien, we’re committed to treating every client with courtesy and respect. Backed by decades of proven success, our statewide team brings unmatched experience to every case we handle.
If you were injured as a passenger in a car accident, help is available. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation and find out how our Missouri legal team can guide you toward the next steps in your recovery. We have offices in Springfield, St. Louis, and Joplin to assist you. Since we work on a contingency fee basis, you will not pay attorney’s fees unless we win compensation for your injuries.