Passenger and Child Claims After a Car Accident in San Luis Obispo County
Most car accident cases involve claims between two drivers in an attempt to determine who is at fault for causing the accident. Passenger claims are often overlooked, typically because they can be more complicated. However, it’s important to understand that if you or your child has been injured in a car accident as a passenger, you may be entitled to compensation. While passenger accident claims present some unique challenges, an experienced San Luis Obispo passenger claim attorney can help you get fair compensation for your injuries.
The Challenges in California Passenger Claims
Passenger claims are complicated because the passenger typically has two potential parties to pursue:
- The driver of the other vehicle, or
- The driver of the vehicle they were riding in.
When the Other Driver is at Fault
If you are injured, and it appears that the other driver was at fault, the case will likely proceed similarly to any other car accident case. That said, it’s important to note that your claim is independent of the driver’s, and you need to pursue your own claim if you want to seek compensation. Also, you are not obligated to work with the same attorney as the driver, and you should be aware that there are potential conflicts of interest involved. You are entitled to hire your own lawyer if you so choose.
When the Driver of Your Vehicle is at Fault
If you’ve been injured in a taxi, bus, or rideshare accident, you may have a claim based on the driver’s negligence. These cases can be complicated due to complex insurance entities and the fact that they typically involve corporate entities.
Understandably, many people are apprehensive about pursuing a claim against the vehicle driver when the driver is a friend or a relative. Before deciding whether to pursue a claim, it’s essential to understand that it may be your sole avenue of recovering compensation for your injuries. Speaking with an experienced San Luis Obispo passenger claim attorney can help you understand and evaluate your options.
What to Do if Your Child Has Been Injured in a San Luis Obispo County Car Crash
If your child has been hurt as a passenger in someone else’s car, you are entitled to pursue a claim on their behalf up until they are 18 years old. You can seek the following damages on behalf of your child:
- Their medical expenses
- Any lost wages if they are employed
- Their pain and suffering
- Other losses such as lost scholarships or other lost opportunities due to long-term or permanent disabilities caused by the accident
Your child’s future is at stake, so it’s important to understand what their case may be worth. An experienced San Luis Obispo passenger claim attorney can provide you with an estimate of your child’s claim and help you get the compensation they need to live a full and productive life following the accident.
Contact a San Luis Obispo Passenger Claim Attorney Today
Whether you or your child were hurt as a passenger, you need someone on your side to make sure your rights are protected. San Luis Obispo passenger claim attorney Earl A. Conaway, III can help you get the compensation you need to put your life back together. Call us at 805-546-8797 or contact us online for a free consultation to discuss your case and how we can help. We serve clients throughout San Luis Obispo County, including Morro Bay and Atascadero.