Assessing Insurance Policies After a Passenger Injury
Sustaining a passenger injury can be a frightening and confusing experience. Unlike drivers, passengers often feel uncertain about whose insurance coverage applies and how they can access the compensation they need. To ensure you receive the compensation you deserve for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering following a Florida collision, connect with a Boca Raton personal injury lawyer.
Whose Insurance Coverage Applies?
When a passenger is injured in an accident, there are several potential sources of insurance coverage. Determining which one applies depends on the circumstances of the event.
- Insurance policy of the person operating the vehicle. As a passenger in the driver’s vehicle, their insurance policy is typically the first line of coverage. In Florida, every vehicle owner is required to carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage, which provides benefits regardless of fault, but PIP coverage may not fully compensate for serious injuries, in which case the driver’s liability insurance may come into play.
- Coverage of other drivers. When another driver causes an accident, their liability insurance may cover damages and losses, including expenses connected to passenger injuries. In this scenario, you would file a claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance company.
- Your own policy. Should the situation be one where the drivers involved lack sufficient insurance coverage or are uninsured, your own insurance policy may provide compensation. This is particularly true if you have uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage. UM/UIM coverage can help bridge the gap when other policies fall short.
- Rideshare insurance. If you were hurt while riding as a passenger in a rideshare vehicle, such as an Uber or Lyft, the company’s insurance policy may apply. Rideshare companies typically provide up to $1 million in liability coverage for accidents that occur while a driver is transporting passengers.
It’s important to note that regardless of where you file your insurance claim, your health and well-being need to come first. So even if you don’t feel seriously injured immediately after the accident, seek medical attention to rule out hidden injuries and document your condition.
When Should I Notify Insurance Companies?
Having a paper trail is part of fortifying your position. Because of this, you will need to promptly report the accident to all involved insurance companies. When doing this, be cautious when speaking with adjusters, as they may attempt to minimize your claim.
It is normal to have questions about what to say and how to move forward. Navigating the complexities of insurance policies and injury claims can be frustrating and overwhelming. A skilled Boca Raton personal injury lawyer can evaluate your case, identify applicable insurance policies, and help you pursue maximum compensation.
How do you determine the best way to access the financial relief you need after being injured as a passenger in a Delray Beach, Deerfield Beach, or Pompano Beach collision? Whether the coverage comes from the driver, another motorist, or your own policy, understanding your options is key. For guidance tailored to your case, contact the attorneys at Leifer & Ramirez. Call 561-660-9421 today.
