Orange County Car Accidents: Who Pays When A Passenger Is Injured?

Imagine you are carpooling to work when the car you are riding in is involved in an Orange County car crash. It is a high traffic situation and the accident happened fast; several cars were damaged. You were reading and have no idea who was at fault. But, you are in pain.

You go to the hospital and find out that you have a soft tissue injury to your neck and a concussion. Your arm is broken. It will be several weeks before you are able to return to work. Now you are in pain, you are not sure if you enough sick leave to cover your accident, and you are facing large medical bills.

The good news, as a passenger you are not at fault. You should qualify for insurance compensation. But who pays?

There are three possible sources of compensation when a passenger is injured.

1. If the driver of another vehicle caused the accident, you are entitled to recover compensation under that driver's insurance. However, if that driver is uninsured or underinsured, you may also need to file a claim with your own insurance company.

2. If your own driver was at fault for the crash and you are not related to the driver, you will need to file a claim with his or her insurance company.

3. If the at-fault driver is a family member, the rules may be complicated. You may have to file the claim with your own insurance company. An Orange County car accident lawyer will be able to determine which company is the appropriate source of compensation.

For more information about passenger car crash injuries, read our article, "How Can An Orange County Car Crash Attorney Help Me If I am Injured While A Passenger In A Car?

To discuss your claim with an Orange County car accident lawyer, contact Allen, Flatt, Ballidis and Leslie at 866-981-5596 and ask to schedule a free legal consultation.