Passenger Rights In A Phoenix Car Accident

Published by:
Mike Chelbet

Reviewed by:
Alistair Vigier
Last Modified: 2021-07-07
Were you involved in a Phoenix car accident? Accidents happen even if nobody wants them. Car accidents are one of the most persistent problems we have on the road not only in Arizona but all over the world.
You may or may not already have an idea of what to do when you get involved in a car accident and how to take care of it, but what if you’re not the driver? What if you were a passenger involved in a car crash?
Whenever you ride as a passenger in someone else’s car or even in public vehicles, you give them your trust. You rely on that trust that your driver will make the safe and right decisions whenever driving to ensure that you as a passenger remain safe while inside the vehicle. Accidents do happen, though.
If you were a passenger in a car accident, according to Arizona statutes, you may qualify to file a personal injury claim or lawsuit for any injuries you have suffered.
Under the Laws of Arizona, all passengers have rights, which means you have the right to be compensated for the injuries caused during the accident by the driver at fault. To learn more about this, check The Ferguson Law Group – in search of the best personal injury lawyer in Phoenix.
Are Passengers Usually Counted Responsible or Ever Share Liability for an Accident?
Investigators most of the time, do not find or credit passengers to be at fault for car accidents. Thus, as a passenger, it is rightful to receive fair compensation for your injury. It does not matter who should bear the responsibility or who’s liable for the accident, passengers have the right to fight their case.
However, in some cases, the insurance policy of the driver may dismiss your claim in certain situations.
As an injured passenger, you’re very much entitled to the following damages:
General Damages After a Phoenix Car Accident
These damages can include pain and suffering, mental anxiety, damage to reputation, and the likes. These are subject damages that resulted from the trauma brought about by the accident. General damages compensate an injured individual for non-monetary damages incurred in an injury claim.
They are called general damages because they address the harm that is typically or “generally” sustained in an injury. All personal injury victims are expected to have at least some general damages.
Phoenix Car Accident Special Damages
Sometimes referred to as economic damages, special damages include out-of-pocket expenses that resulted from the negligent actions of the defendant.
A goal of awarding special damages is to place the victim in a position they would be in had they not suffered their injuries. These can include medical expenses, property damages, loss of income, or anything that has a monetary value.
- Common examples of special damages include the following:
- Medical expenses.
- Transportation costs.
- Loss of wages.
- Loss of earning capacity.
- Property damage.
Exemplary Damages
Also known as Punitive Damages, these are served towards companies who were proven to have caused an accident due to gross negligence. An example is a driver who caused accidents while under the influence. Exemplary damages are available in certain cases and have been severely limited by state law and court decisions.
What to do if you’re a passenger involved in an accident and want compensation for the damages?
- To claim any injury or damages, the first thing you need to do is to know who the cause of the car accident was. Sometimes it would be obvious who the driver at fault is, but that is not always the case. If you think your driver is not the person responsible for the wreck, gather pieces of evidence.
- Get yourself the best car accident, lawyer. Make sure to secure the evidence and to call your lawyer the soonest time possible. Having a lawyer who specializes in such legal matters will help you get the most out of your claim and make sure you get compensated accordingly.
- If you think you’re part of the reason why the accident happens, it is best to talk to your Accident Lawyer first before you give statements to anyone. At times, it is very much possible for passengers to be accused of “Contributory Negligence.” It only means that the passengers need to pay those who are injured because they contributed to making the accident happen. It is a tricky case wherein you would need an expert lawyer by your side.
Arizona Car Crash Compensation
If you are sure you are not at fault in the accident and have suffered injuries and damages, know that getting yourself a reliable attorney would help your case. He will make sure to do everything he can for you to be compensated by the one at fault and accordingly depend on the damages caused.
Make sure you get yourself a dependable accident lawyer, not just any lawyer. It is important to note that every attorney has a specialty. Let the professionals handle this for you so you can focus on your recovery and the more important things.
A Reliable and Experienced Personal Injury Attorney Can Help You Recover The Maximum Compensation
If you found yourself hurt and in pain, or the quality of life declined because of other’s negligence, recklessness, or intentional conduct – then you deserve a skilled and compassionate representation from the beginning of your case. This can mean the difference in receiving the exemplary or compensatory damages you are justly entitled to by your state law.
The Ferguson Law Group personal injury lawyers are considered experienced litigators and negotiators with such a proven track record of handling successful cases.
Our legal team has more than four decades of experience helping accident victims secure the maximum compensation possible, including numerous multi-million dollar recoveries. We will handle your case with the high level of care and dedication it deserves, so you can concentrate on moving forward with your life.
If you need a Phoenix car accident attorney, fill out the form on this page.
Jason M. Ferguson, the founder of Ferguson Law Group, started his career working for an automobile insurance company as a trial attorney before owning his injury law firm for over 20 years. Attorney Ferguson has a unique experience, having tried cases on both sides of the court system in personal injury trials, unlike many other lawyers.
Ferguson also served over 14 years as an Army Reserve officer and the Georgia Air National Guard. The Albany Herald recognized him as one of southwest Georgia’s “40 under 40” in 2010.
RELATED POSTS
No related posts found.