Have you been injured in a car accident?

Our Car Accident Help site is designed to be a one-stop source for anyone who has suffered personal injuries in a car crash. It is also a helpful resource for someone whose loved one has been injured in an Oklahoma car crash. Speak to one of our representatives at (405) 285-4357 if you have any questions, or fill out our form to get your free, instant, no obligation accident analysis. We have Oklahoma car accident attorneys on staff who know the law and can defend your rights.

Oklahoma Passenger Injury Attorney

Passenger Injury Claims After a Car Wreck

Being a safe and responsible driver is a great way to avoid accidents, but it's not always enough. Many times it's the "other guy" driving near us that we need to look out for. But, what if you're just a passenger and have no control over the vehicle you're in? In that case, there may be two "other guys" responsible for your safety. If you're injured while riding as a passenger in a motor vehicle, it's important that you take the right steps immediately afterward. Your first step should be to seek medical care, and your second should be to consult an experienced Oklahoma car accident lawyer.

Passenger Ejection in a Crash

Over the past few decades, automakers have improved their vehicles' crash-worthiness, or the manner in which they protect occupants in the event of a crash. However, some of these safety devices fail or malfunction when needed most, causing the occupant to be ejected from the vehicle. Examples of faulty mechanisms include defective seat belts, malfunctioning door latches, and weak window glass. These “malfunctions” are common in rollover crashes.

There are two types of occupant ejections:

  • Complete ejection: when the occupant is thrown completely out of the vehicle, at risk of being run over by other vehicles.
  • Partial ejection: when the occupant's body is thrown partially through the windshield, or thrown slightly, but not fully, out the window. This can be extremely dangerous, especially if the vehicle rolls after the collision.

People who have been thrown from a vehicle during a crash often sustain catastrophic or fatal injuries. Some of the most common injuries include:

  • Internal organ damage
  • Multiple fractures or crushed bones
  • Spinal cord trauma that could cause paralysis
  • Torso or rib injuries
  • Traumatic brain injury

Who’s Liable If You’re Injured as a Passenger?

Though you weren’t driving the vehicle you were injured in, and completely not at fault, you could still find yourself in a situation where you face mounting medical bills, lost wages due to time off of work, the costs of physical therapy, and more.

If you were ejected from the vehicle, depending on the circumstances, several parties could potentially be held liable for your damages and losses. For example, if a defective seat belt, airbag, or window glass caused the ejection and/or injuries, the automaker and the manufacturer of the defective vehicle part can be held liable.

If you were injured by the accident itself, and not ejected, the negligent driver (or both drivers) who caused the crash can be held liable. Don't worry, you have options. As a passenger, you can file what is known as a third-party insurance claim.

Oklahoma Third-Party Insurance Claims Explained

A third-party insurance claim is a claim you make on an insurance policy that is not your own. Depending on which driver is at fault, you have two options. You can file a claim against:

  • The insurance policy of the owner or driver of the vehicle you were riding in when the accident occurred, or
  • The insurance policy of the owner or driver of another vehicle involved in the accident.

Different auto insurance policies carry different amounts of liability coverage. Liability is the amount a policy will pay to an injured party. If the policy of the driver you file a claim against has insufficient liability coverage, you may need to file multiple claims.

Example:

You're riding in your friend Joe's car when you're involved in an accident with Mr. X. As a result of the accident, you have $20,000 in medical bills and lose $10,000 from time off of work while you were injured. You believe Mr. X to be at fault and file your claim against him. The problem is that Mr. X only has $15,000 in liability coverage. This leaves you $15,000 short. In such a case, you may file a claim against the policy of the other driver involved in the accident (your friend Joe) for the rest of your expenses.

Deciding settlements in accident cases can take a long time, sometimes years. This is especially true when you're filing a claim against a policy that is not your own. In the meantime, you've got mounting medical bills to pay. In such a case, you can file a claim for medical payments or "med pay." Med pay doesn't depend on who is determined to be at fault, so these claims are settled faster. Unfortunately, med pay only covers medical expenses, not lost wages, pain and suffering, or any other damages. In addition, not all drivers have med pay coverage on their insurance policies.

Speak to an Oklahoma Car Accident Lawyer to File a Claim

As you can see, filing a claim as an injured passenger can be complicated. This is why it's recommended that you get the counsel of a passenger injury lawyer. Car Accident Help has represented many accident injury clients and won substantial damages. We will guide you through the claims process and see that you get the financial compensation you deserve. Call today at (405) 285-4357 to discuss your case.

Additional Information

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Don't Wreck Twice

You've Already Wrecked Your Car, Now DON'T Wreck Your Case! Get your FREE instant download to learn EXACTLY what you need to do so that you don't wreck twice!
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Getting Support for Your Car Accident

The period after a car collision can be devastating and chaotic for crash victims and their families. This is the time when you can use all the support and resources you can get. The team at Car Accident Help are committed to providing you with the information and resources you need during these challenging times. If there are any questions you may have or want to know your legal rights, contact us today for a free initial evaluation to see if you have a case.

Find out if you have a case

Who We Are

The team at CarAccidentHelp.com created this site to provide a resource to those who have just been in an accident and need someone on their side. The insurance companies are not looking out for your best interests and you need an advocate who knows the laws in Oklahoma and will fight for you. We help you figure out if filing a lawsuit is right for your situation, and connect you with lawyers who can determine if you have a case.

Car Accident Help
15401 N. May Avenue
Suite 900
Edmond, OK 73013
Call: (405)-285-4357


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Oklahoma City Passenger Injury Attorney Disclaimer: This web site is designed to provide educational information only. The legal information contained in this web site is not intended to offer legal advice. Information contained in this web site is not intended to create an attorney-client relationship, nor does it constitute legal advice, to any person reviewing such information. No electronic communication with Car Accident Help, or any employees thereof, will generate an attorney client relationship, nor will it be considered an attorney-client privileged communication. Any reference in this web site to past results for clients obtained by Car Accident Help, including reference to the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, does not guarantee that similar outcomes will be achieved for future cases. Each case is different, and must be evaluated and handled based on its individual attributes and merits.

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