Unfortunately, car accidents occur every day, and they can impact more than just the drivers involved. In Florida, a passenger injured in a car accident can file a claim for damages. If you have been injured as a passenger in a car accident, you might wonder if Florida’s no-fault rules apply to your situation. While the no-fault rules do apply, there are a couple of extra rules that apply particularly to passengers of accidents.
Depending on the particular circumstances, the law can get complicated rather quickly. No matter how complicated or tricky the rules may seem, an experienced attorney may be able to help you understand your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.
Your Rights as a Passenger in a Car Accident in Orlando, Florida
If you are seeking damages as an injured passenger, you may file a claim against one or more of the operators of the vehicle. How do you know if you should file against the driver of the car in which you were riding or the other driver involved in the accident? This will depend on the circumstances. Florida’s Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance allows anyone injured in a car accident to receive up to $10,000 in medical and lost wage benefits. If you, as the passenger, have your own auto insurance, then your PIP benefits will be filed with your own auto insurance. If you do not have auto insurance coverage, then you may ultimately look to the operators of the vehicles to see if you will be able to recover PIP coverage through their insurance company. to file against any driver. If the car belonged to someone who was not the driver, you can file a claim against the car owner’s insurance, even if the owner was not in the car at the time of the accident.
In addition to receiving PIP benefits, you may be entitled to bring a claim against the vehicle’s owner and/or operator that caused the collision. In some instances, both drivers may have contributed to the crash. In those situations, you may be able to bring a claim against both drivers for causing your injuries.
Contact an Experienced Orlando Car Accident Attorney at Wooten, Kimbrough, Damaso & Dennis, P.A.
Getting into a car accident as a passenger can leave you feeling hopeless and unsure of how to move forward. With the help of an experienced Orlando car accident lawyer, you can receive reasonable and professional advice on how to make sure your rights are protected. Wooten, Kimbrough, Damaso & Dennis, P.A. is here to help. If you have been seriously injured as a passenger in an accident, our staff is ready to help you pursue the compensation you deserve.
The award-winning team at Wooten, Kimbrough, Damaso & Dennis, P.A. has been providing legal advice to the Orlando community for the past fifty years. We want to help you during this difficult time as you recover from your accident. To schedule your free consultation, you can contact us online or call (407) 843-7060.
