Being involved and injured in a car accident is traumatic enough. However, the situation can be more complicated when the injured passenger knows the driver who caused the accident—and, in fact, the passenger was in the same car as the responsible driver. The injured person may not want to seek compensation or file a lawsuit, because it is a friend or relative who is liable. While this may be a common feeling, it is important to remember that anyone injured in a car accident has a right to seek compensation—regardless of who is responsible for the accident.
A recent car accident involving a Washington Football player led to the death of a 29-year-old woman. According to a news report, the deceased was the passenger in the car that the football player was driving in Virginia. The car struck several trees, rolled over, and then went off the right side of the road. The victim was taken to a local hospital where she was pronounced dead. The driver is being treated for serious, but not life-threatening, injuries.
In many situations, if a driver was injured in a car accident involving a stranger, they would not hesitate to bring a personal injury lawsuit. However, being involved in a car accident with a friend tends to stop people from bringing this suit. But it should not. It is important to remember when seeking compensation from a driver, the driver’s insurance company is the one who will often pay for any damages. People have insurance to cover accidents like this. This is a common misconception—that the individual personally will pay for the injured person’s recovery out of their own pocket. Instead, by filing a lawsuit against the driver, it ensures the injured person is compensated, but their friend or relative is not financially harmed in the process.
Additionally, individuals injured in these types of car accidents should file a lawsuit because the insurance company will find out about the accident anyway. If the car was damaged, the driver will file a claim, and the insurance company will know that a passenger was riding in the car. If another vehicle was involved in the accident, then that driver will file a claim as well. Overall, while people may not want to bring a personal injury lawsuit against a friend or loved one, doing so will not harm them. It is in the best interest of everyone for a claim to be filed. This way, the injured person can physically recuperate without the stress of finances.
Because bringing a personal injury lawsuit against a friend or relative may be a complicated subject, those injured in these types of car accidents should speak to an experienced attorney right away.
Contact a Virginia Personal Injury Attorney
If you or someone you love has suffered serious injuries in a Virginia car accident, contact the Schupak Law Firm. Attorney Sidney Schupak has decades of experience fighting for car accident victims and getting them the compensation they deserve. Regardless of the injured’s relationship with the responsible driver, we will work diligently on your behalf. To schedule a free, initial consultation, give us a call today at 240-833-3914.