You may have had no control over the crash, but you can still be left with injuries and unexpected costs. Injured passengers may choose to speak with a car accident lawyer in New York when they need guidance on insurance coverage and possible next steps.
If you were injured as a passenger, you may be able to seek no-fault benefits and pursue a separate liability claim in qualifying cases. The Wohlgemuth Law Firm PLLC explains how passenger injury claims work and when a New York car accident lawyer can assist.
Insurance Coverage Available to Injured Passengers
According to New York State DMV and ITSMR crash data, 390,334 motor vehicle crashes were recorded in 2023, or about one every 82 seconds. Passenger injury claims may involve different types of insurance depending on the circumstances:
- No-Fault Insurance (Personal Injury Protection): May cover qualifying medical costs and part of lost earnings regardless of fault.
- Liability Insurance: May apply when another driver caused the crash.
The applicable policy and policy limits can affect which losses may be covered first and how much will be covered.
When a Separate Injury Claim May Be Available
Under New York car accident laws, a serious injury may allow recovery of non-economic damages from an at-fault driver. A New York car accident lawyer can review potential liability.
How Seat Belt Use Fits Into Passenger Safety
Seat belts reduce injury risk, but they do not prevent every injury. According to NHTSA’s 2023 seat belt research, adult front seat belt use reached 91.9% nationally in 2023.
Evidence That Can Support Your Claim
Evidence can help show how the crash occurred and your subsequent damages. According to NHTSA, an estimated 324,819 people were injured in distraction-related crashes in 2023, making driver behavior an important factor to document when distraction is suspected.
Useful evidence may include:
- Medical records
- Crash documentation
- Income records
- Witness information
Organized records can help clarify the claim.
Get Help From the Wohlgemuth Law Firm PLLC
Recovery depends on the injuries, available coverage, and the circumstances of the crash. As a personal injury law firm in New York, the Wohlgemuth Law Firm PLLC helps injured passengers understand their options.
We can explain how to recover damages in a car accident and offer free case evaluations. Call (718) 474-9100 to speak with our New York car accident lawyer about your passenger injury claim.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to common questions about passenger accident claims.
How Soon Should a Passenger Report an Injury After a Crash?
Report the injury as soon as possible. New York generally requires written notice of a no-fault claim within 30 days of the crash, unless a valid reason justifies the delay.
How Can an Auto Accident Attorney in NY Help With Compensation for Injuries?
An auto accident attorney in NY can evaluate potential compensation for injuries, identify issues that may affect the claim and advocate your claims for you.
Can You File a Claim if Both Drivers Were at Fault?
Yes. A passenger may be able to pursue claims against more than one responsible driver, and a New York car accident lawyer can review how fault may affect the claim.
