What Are A Passenger’s Rights to Compensation After a New Jersey Car Accident?
According to the National Safety Council, July, August, and October are the months that report the most car accidents. However, car accidents happen every day, no matter what month and millions are reported each year across the United States.
When an accident happens drivers are usually the focus concerning what they should do in the aftermath of a crash and how they can be financially compensated for their damages. While drivers do have rights and responsibilities after an accident, passengers in a car that is in a crash may also be harmed. When this happens, what are injured passenger’s rights?
If you were a passenger in a car and were injured in a New Jersey car accident, our South Jersey car accident injury attorney at Monaco Law PC can help you. You may be entitled to significant compensation for your losses, and Attorney Monaco is experienced and prepared to help you get the full amount of compensation you are entitled to.
Securing Compensation As a Passenger After a New Jersey Car Accident
It can be confusing and overwhelming trying to figure out what to do after a car accident especially for passengers who may or may not be drivers themselves. Since New Jersey is a no-fault state determining the right approach can be complicated.
In a no-fault state, when an accident happens, drivers use their own insurance to make a claim for their damages. For passengers who have insurance because they are, themselves, drivers, these individuals can use their own Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage for damages such as medical costs.
Injured passengers that do not have their own insurance, may use the coverage that a family member has. New Jersey’s PIP coverage rules say that medical expenses will be taken care of when an accident happens for drivers that are covered and their family members.
In instances when a passenger does not have PIP coverage, it could be possible for passengers to use the coverage of the driver of the car where the accident happened. This is only the case when a passenger has no other options for PIP coverage.
Another option for an injured passenger that has no avenues for coverage could be to file a claim with the New Jersey Property-Liability Insurance Guaranty Association. The NJPLIGA is a state run program that provides coverage for people who are unable to access any type of insurance coverage.
In a no-fault state like New Jersey, victims of accidents must first use PIP insurance. Though, in situations where catastrophic injuries are suffered, the limits of PIP are likely not going to be enough to pay for the costs a victim suffers. Here, it can be possible under the law to file a suit against the driver that caused the accident.
Speak to a New Jersey Car Accident Attorney Today
Passengers are not without their rights if they are injured in an automobile accident. To discuss your case for free with our experienced South Jersey personal injury lawyer at Monaco Law PC, please call (609) 277-3166 for our New Jersey office and (215) 546-3166 for our office in Pennsylvania.
We are a New Jersey personal injury law firm serving Atlantic County, Burlington County, Cape May County, Camden County, Cumberland County, Gloucester County, Mercer County, Middlesex County, Ocean County, Salem County, and all of South Jersey.
Source:
injuryfacts.nsc.org/motor-vehicle/overview/crashes-by-month/