Philadelphia Passenger Accident Injury Attorney

If you were injured as a passenger in a car, rideshare, or commercial vehicle accident, you have the right to seek compensation for your losses. A Philadelphia passenger accident injury attorney can protect your rights, handle negotiations, and pursue justice on your behalf.

Insurance Coverage for Passenger Injuries

Pennsylvania follows a no-fault insurance system, which means that injured passengers generally turn to the driver’s insurance policy first for coverage. You would file a Personal Injury Protection (PIP) claim for benefits that cover:

• Medical expenses related to the accident
• Certain lost wages
• Other out-of-pocket costs associated with recovery

These benefits apply regardless of who caused the accident. However, PIP does not cover non-economic losses such as pain and suffering. If a passenger’s injuries meet Pennsylvania’s serious injury threshold, or if medical bills exceed the available PIP coverage, the injured passenger may then file a third-party liability claim against the at-fault driver or other responsible parties.

Third Party Passenger Injury Claims

Passengers can pursue a claim against one or more negligent third parties, depending on the extent of their injuries. Who can be held liable will depend on the cause of the collision. Those parties may include:

• The driver of the vehicle in which the passenger was riding
• The driver of another vehicle involved in the crash
• A commercial transportation company or rideshare service
• A vehicle manufacturer responsible for defective parts
• A government entity that failed to maintain safe roads

Pennsylvania law allows passengers to file personal injury claims to recover compensation, regardless of whether they were related to or acquainted with the driver.

Determining Liability in a Passenger Accident

Liability in a passenger accident can be complex because multiple drivers or entities may share fault. When more than one party contributes to the crash, Pennsylvania’s comparative negligence rule allows injured passengers to seek recovery from multiple sources. This law ensures that fault is apportioned fairly among all negligent parties.

For example, if two drivers share responsibility for causing a crash, each driver’s insurer must pay damages in proportion to that driver’s share of negligence. Passengers are rarely assigned fault since they were not in control of any vehicle, but comparative negligence becomes important when determining how much each driver—or other responsible entity—must pay.

Recoverable Damages for Injured Passengers

Injured passengers may pursue compensation for both economic and non-economic damages. These can include:

• Emergency medical treatment and hospital bills
• Ongoing rehabilitation or physical therapy
• Lost income and reduced earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress and trauma
• Property damage, such as personal belongings lost in the crash

In cases of severe or permanent injuries, compensation for future medical expenses and long-term care needs can also be pursued.

How a Philadelphia Passenger Accident Injury Attorney Can Help

Navigating insurance claims and determining fault after a passenger accident can be challenging, especially when multiple parties and insurers are involved. A skilled attorney handles the legal details while you focus on recovery. A lawyer can:

• Investigate the accident and gather supporting evidence
• Identify all liable parties and applicable insurance coverage
• Coordinate with medical providers to document injuries and treatment
• Negotiate with insurance companies for a full and fair settlement
• File a lawsuit and represent you in court if necessary

Having experienced representation ensures that you receive the compensation you deserve and are not pressured into less than fair settlements.

Contact a Philadelphia Passenger Accident Injury Attorney

Schedule a free consultation with a skilled Philadelphia Car Accident Attorney today by calling (215) 569-0200 or sending Rosenbaum & Associates a message online. You pay no fees unless your attorney successfully recovers compensation for your injuries.