Wht to do if I was a passenger in a car accident where the other driver was at fault?

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Wht to do if I was a passenger in a car accident where the other driver was at fault?

I injured my neck, left knee, and my left thumb, which may need surgery. Can I expect a huge settlement from both insurance companies?

Asked on February 21, 2013 under Personal Injury, Illinois

Answers:

B.H.F., Member, Texas State Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney

Answered 11 years ago | Contributor

There are two things that you need to do, in general.  The first is to contact both insurance companies to assert a claim.  The second thing you need to do is consult with a personal injury attorney to help you with your case.  I strongly suggest visiting with at least three so that you find an attorney that understands you and your needs.

As far as settlement, if the driver of the car was not at fault, then more than likely his insurance is not going to pay.  If there was some negligence by both drivers, then both may have to pay a certain percentage of the overall settlement.  If the other driver is primarily responsible-- then their company will most likely be paying the bulk of the claim.  The reason you want to contact both companies is in the event that one company fingerpoints at the other company-- filing a claim with both covers you basis-- the main thing is that one or both cover your expenses

The amount of your settlement will depend on the extent of your injuries.  If you have permanent injuries, you can expect a higher settlement.  If you have injuries that can be resolved with treatment, then you will receive a medium settlement.  If you only experienced pain and the injuries can resolve themselves with little medical attention, you will receive a nominal settlement.  You can also receive compensation for lost wages.  This is a rough guideline-- but it gives you an idea of how the settlements are increased.  To have a more specific idea of the exact value of your case, take copies of whatever medical records you have, the traffic/offense report, and your latest W-2 to a personal injury attorney.  Many will provide free consultations, especially if you have done much of the pre-work for them.


IMPORTANT NOTICE: The Answer(s) provided above are for general information only. The attorney providing the answer was not serving as the attorney for the person submitting the question or in any attorney-client relationship with such person. Laws may vary from state to state, and sometimes change. Tiny variations in the facts, or a fact not set forth in a question, often can change a legal outcome or an attorney's conclusion. Although AttorneyPages.com has verified the attorney was admitted to practice law in at least one jurisdiction, he or she may not be authorized to practice law in the jurisdiction referred to in the question, nor is he or she necessarily experienced in the area of the law involved. Unlike the information in the Answer(s) above, upon which you should NOT rely, for personal advice you can rely upon we suggest you retain an attorney to represent you.

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