How Much Money Can a Passenger in a Car Accident Get? Compensation Guide
Due to the negligence of drivers, accidents are happening every day which resulting in innumerable losses. One of the main affected persons in this case can be a passenger, who deserves compensation due to the irresponsibility of the driver. Various factors affect the claim of the compensation, but generally, minor injuries compensate from $4000 to $13000, moderate injuries pay about $15,000 to $50,000, and severe injuries can help you claim more than $100,000.
In this article, we will take a closer look at how much money can a passenger in a car accident get?, and how they can claim it.
Can a Passenger Claim Settlement After a Car Accident?
Yes, passengers in a car accident are free to claim damages or injuries resulting from the accident. You can still file a claim against the other driver even when you were not driving his/her vehicle. Depending on the laws of the particular state, passengers are compensated for personal injuries as drivers and pedestrians.
How to Calculate a Car Accident Settlement?
The amount of settlement received by the passengers is calculated out of a combination of medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Insurance companies tend to apply formulas that take into account the severity of your injuries, the expenditure of treatment, and the impact of the accident on your daily activities. Long-term care expenses or rehabilitation are other expenses that can be included in settlements on severe injuries.
Relevant posts:
- How to Calculate Injury Compensation After a Road Accident
- How Do You Calculate Compensation in a Personal Injury Case?
- How to Calculate the Value of Your Personal Injury Claim
What Types of Compensation Are Available to Passengers
There are various types of compensation available to passengers that faced an accident:
- Medical Expenses
- Physical Therapy
- Lost Wages and Future Earnings
- Pain and Suffering
- Emotional Distress
- Anxiety
- Ambulance Expenses
- Inability to Get to Work
- Damage to Your Personal Property
How Much Money Can a Passenger Get After an Accident?
The compensation of the passengers may differ significantly, due to different circumstances of the accident. Settlement amounts between $3,000 and $15,000 can be obtained for minor injuries. More severe injuries, such as a broken bone and head injuries, result in settlements up to $50,000. Severe injuries let you claim up to $100,000, whereas catastrophic injuries and those that require long-term care and result in permanent disability have a compensation range of more than $100,000.
| Injury Severity | Typical Compensation Range | Examples of Injuries |
| Minor Injuries | $3,000 – $15,000 | Bruises, whiplash, minor cuts, and soft tissue injuries |
| Moderate Injuries | $15,000 – $50,000 | Broken bones, concussions, and back and neck injuries that require therapy |
| Severe Injuries | $50,000 – $100,000+ | Head trauma, spinal injuries, and multiple fractures |
| Catastrophic Injuries | $100,000+ | Permanent disability, paralysis, long-term care, loss of earning capacity |
What Factors Affect the Amount of Passenger Settlement
Various factors determine the amount of payment that a passenger can claim after an auto accident.
- Seriousness of injuries: If you encountered more serious injuries, it will increase the amount of the settlement.
- Medical expenses: Both the immediate and future medical expenses are taken into consideration.
- Pain and suffering: The emotional and physical pain is assessed.
- Fault and liability: The circumstances of how the accident took place and who was at fault are also determined.
- Income Losses: In case you were not able to work due to the injuries, your lost wages are covered.
How the Severity of Injuries Affects the Compensation
The worse your injuries, the larger the compensation you may receive. Bruises, whiplash, and minor aches are sometimes compensated, but they entail lower rates of claiming medical expenditures and pain and suffering. Meanwhile, broken bones, head injuries, or back pains raise the medical expenses, as well as the compensation for pain and suffering. The companies operating insurance will look at the immediate and long-run effects before settling the payout.
Who Do I Need to Contact To File Passenger Injury Claims?
Passengers’ claims are often paid by the insurance company of the driver. If you were sharing a ride, the commercial coverage policy of the company also applies. In certain states, passengers can claim against the driver through his/her personal injury protection (PIP) policy.
Steps to Take as a Passenger After a Car Accident
Here are the steps you need to follow to get injury claims:
- Get Emergency Medical Help: Even in the case of a minor injury, visit a medical professional. Other symptoms, such as internal bleeding or whiplash, may not become apparent. Your medical records are also crucial evidence for your compensation claim.
- Document Injuries and Accident Descriptions: Take pictures of your injuries, of the accident scene, and any damage to a vehicle. Take witness statements and the time, date, and circumstances of the crash. This report enhances your argument and contributes to the creation of liability.
- Speak with An Attorney: Before accepting settlement terms, it is prudent to consult a personal injury lawyer. Where insurance companies provide fast settlement, they usually pay less than what you have lost. A lawyer has the power to negotiate with an insurance company to reach a reasonable settlement award for your injury and expenses.
How Much Time Does it Take to Get a Settlement?
The settlement time also depends on the complexity of an accident, the severity of injuries, and the processes involved in the case of the insuring company. Simple claims can be settled in weeks, but more problematic ones take a few months or even years. Patience is required to make sure that you are fully compensated.
FAQs About Passenger Compensation in Car Accidents
Yes, if it has occurred due to the recklessness of the driver, you can get compensation through their insurance or through a personal injury case.
Uninsured motorist coverage, otherwise known as UIM, may cover your expenses and bodily damages. Some states have state-funded compensation or uninsured drivers as well.
Not usually. Compensation is usually paid out of the policy of the at-fault driver, but personal medical and/or PIP coverage can be used to cover initial treatment.
Every state has a different timeline to claim a settlement, but it usually ranges from 1 to 3 years. However, you must file as early as possible to get your legal rights.
Yes, if a person has suffered from emotional pain due to a car accident, it will be included in the settlement.
Bottom Line
A passenger in a car accident is a helpless person who suffers from the negligence of the driver. In this article, we have talked about how to get a settlement and how much it can be. So, educate yourself on your rights and get the settlement you deserve.
