Fargo Passenger Injury Attorney
Were You Injured as a Passenger? Call Our Lawyers Today!
While it can be frightening to get into a car accident as a driver, it’s probably even worse if you’re a passenger. A total of 22,543 passenger vehicle occupants died in 2015, and side impact collisions accounted for 25% of these deaths. Those sitting shotgun or in the backseat have no control over the direction and speed of the car. There’s also the question of what to do if you are injured.
As the injured party, you are typically entitled to compensation for the following from one of the drivers who caused the crash:
- Medical bills
- Future medical bills
- Pain and suffering
- Lost wages
- Future lost wages
- Disability
Talk to one of our experienced attorneys about any questions you have regarding your case. Call Marquard & Associates today at (888) 288-4756.
Third Party Passenger Claim
North Dakota is a no-fault car insurance state, meaning no matter who caused the accident, each person’s auto insurance pays for their own injuries and damages. The insurance of the driver in whose car you were sitting will likely cover your medical expenses up to a certain amount. However, there is a threshold. In order to step outside the no-fault system and bring a claim against the other driver, the total necessary medical expenses you incurred because of the accident must be more than $2,500.
Additionally, if you or the covered person suffered “serious or permanent disfigurement or disability” that lasts more than 60 days, you could also make a claim against the other driver. In catastrophic injury cases, medical bills can cost someone thousands of dollars in medical bills, rehabilitation, and lost wages, so it isn’t too hard to exceed the threshold. The no-fault system only covers personal injury, however. If you also suffered property damage, you can pursue compensation from the at-fault driver in order to seek compensation for your destroyed goods.
How to File a Claim
After an accident, you should gather the insurance information for all vehicles involved in the crash, write down witness reports, and file a claim with our own insurance policy. Make sure you get medical treatment and follow your doctor’s advice. The next thing to do is to call an experienced auto accident lawyer who can advise you on the next course of action. He or she can also help you complete a liability and medical investigation and can assist you with a settlement demand. You can decide to settle, or you can pursue a lawsuit with the help of your lawyer if the settlement doesn't cover the cost of your expenses.
Call Our Experienced Attorneys Today
If you’re unsure how to proceed with filing a personal injury claim as a passenger, give our skilled Fargo personal injury lawyers a call. We understand suffering an injury can be extremely traumatic, especially since you might be coping with physical pain and financial losses on top of emotional harm. Our firm has more than 30 years of legal experience to offer your case.
Marquard & Associates is also devoted to helping injury victims and their families, and we have a proven track record of hundreds of successful cases to draw from. Because we understand you might be facing financial stress, we also work on a contingency fee basis, meaning we don’t get paid unless you do. We are confident we can successfully win a financial recovery for you.
To get your case started today, contact us at (888) 288-4756 or fill out our online form to schedule your free case evaluation.