Being in a car accident is scary, especially if you are the one who is not in control behind the wheel. You may experience feelings of fear and helplessness as the car swerves. If you are a passenger in a motor vehicle and you were involved in an accident, you may not know your rights or where to even begin the process of taking legal action to get the compensation you may be owed.
A dedicated personal injury lawyer from Dominguez Law can help go over the specifics of your case and guide you through the legal process for what steps you need to take next. Even as a passenger, you have rights and may be eligible for emotional or physical damages.
Injured as a Passenger in a Car Accident? 3 Steps to Take Legal Action in New Mexico
You do not have to be physically operating the motor vehicle to be eligible for damages. Getting into a car accident where you have no control over the situation may still lead to broken bones, a concussion, and even post-traumatic stress disorder. Depending on the scenario, there are different steps you can take to pursue appropriate legal action, including the following:
Gather Evidence
With consideration of the severity of your injuries, it is vital to collect any evidence you can. As a passenger, this could include:
- Video footage of the wreckage
- Photo evidence of the damage on your phone
- Driver’s license information and insurance company information from all involved parties
- A copy of the accident report
If you are too injured to obtain these documents, make sure to retain your medical report after a doctor’s visit. A personal injury lawyer can help you to retrieve any evidence you were unable to gather while you focus on recovery.
File Claim With The Driver’s Insurance Policy
If the driver of the motor vehicle you were in is at fault for the accident, your next step toward taking legal action will be to file a claim with the driver’s insurance policy. New Mexico is an at-fault state, meaning the driver considered responsible for the accident is held accountable for any damages accumulated over the course of the accident.
The claim process can be time-consuming and confusing, especially with your sustained injuries. An Albuquerque-based lawyer knows your rights and will fight for you.
File Claim Against The Other Driver’s Insurance Policy
If the driver of a different vehicle than the one you are in is at-fault for the accident, you may also file a claim against their insurance policy. With the help of an attorney, you can utilize your gathered evidence to pin the liability on the other driver so that you may receive appropriate damages to begin the healing process.
Discuss Your Case With a New Mexico Personal Injury Lawyer Today
As a passenger in a car accident, you are owed the same damages as the driver or anyone else in the car. If you have been injured in a motor vehicle accident due to another driver’s negligent behavior, begin the process of gathering data for your case today. An experienced lawyer at Dominguez Law will take the front seat while you rest and recover with your family. Our compassionate, aggressive, and Spanish-speaking lawyers are on your side.
Our team of car accident attorneys understands the ins and outs of insurance claims and will work diligently to ensure you receive the best possible outcome for your case. For a free consultation, please fill out our online contact form or give one of our lawyers a call at (505) 850-5854.