What to Do if You’re Involved in A Car Accident as A Passenger?
November 10, 2023
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Car accidents are unsettling events, and while most advice revolves around the driver's perspective, passengers are often left wondering about their rights and responsibilities. If you find yourself as a passenger in a car accident, there are crucial steps you should follow to ensure your safety and protect your interests, especially when it comes to compensation for your injuries. Here's a comprehensive guide on what to do in such a scenario.
Your safety and that of others involved should always be the primary concern in the event of any accident. Before taking any action, try to stay calm and assess the situation:
Firstly, determine if you or anyone else in the vehicle is injured; remember, some injuries might not manifest immediately, so it's crucial to be vigilant about any signs of discomfort or pain, as well as cognitive symptoms which can indicate a concussion.
If possible and safe to do so, move away from the traffic to a secure location; if the car is causing an obstruction and it's safe, the driver may consider moving it to the side of the road. Otherwise, turning on hazard lights can alert other road users to the situation.
Engaging in a conversation with the driver is essential for multiple reasons:
Understand the driver's perspective on how the accident occurred. This will be beneficial later if you need to provide a statement or recount the incident.
Emotional support can be invaluable in traumatic situations, whether it’s a non fault accident or the driver themself is to blame. In almost all cases, the driver will be as shocked as you are, so communicating clearly will help you ensure that they’re in a stable condition both physically and mentally.
If you’re dealing with a serious accident - for example, if passengers are unconscious, bleeding heavily, or if the car is severely damaged - it's often wise to contact the necessary emergency services:
If there are severe injuries, call an ambulance immediately. Even minor injuries can escalate, so it's always better to err on the side of caution. And don’t forget that after any car accident, head to your local A&E, explain your situation and ask for a medical examination. Even if you feel fine, it’s important that you rule out common delayed injuries, such as a concussion, internal bleeding or traumatic brain injuries.
Depending on the severity and circumstances of the accident, involving the police might be necessary. They can document the scene, gather details, and provide a formal accident report, which can be instrumental for insurance purposes.
While the driver will likely be gathering information, it can be beneficial for passengers to do so as well - this is because you might be required to give a witness statement:
Note down the time, date, and specific location of the crash. Document any pertinent details leading up to the accident, such as weather conditions, outdoor distractions (such as animals) and other drivers.
Collect details such as the registration numbers, make, and model of the other vehicles involved in the accident.
If there are bystanders or other witnesses, their accounts can be crucial when it comes to making an insurance claim. Gather their names, contact details, and a brief statement if they're willing to provide one - this can come in handy if the claim ends up in court.
As we mentioned above, even if you feel relatively fine after the accident, you must seek medical attention. Some injuries, particularly those related to soft tissue, brain, or internal organs, might not exhibit immediate symptoms, so you’ll need to rule these out via a medical examination.
Don’t forget to document everything following your consultation: keep all medical records and reports, as this documentation can prove vital when pursuing any claims or proving the extent of your injuries.
As a passenger, you might wonder if there's a need to involve your insurance company, especially if you were not driving - the answer is yes! It's always a good idea to inform your insurer about the accident, even if you don't plan on making a claim through your policy.
Your insurance might ask for an account of the accident from your perspective, so make sure to give them a thorough account, sending them your notes and documents where necessary. This account can also serve as an additional record of the event.
Unlike drivers, your claim as a passenger typically goes against the insurance of the person responsible for the accident - and this could be the driver of the vehicle you were in or another involved party. Here’s what you need to know:
Identifying who was at fault is the first step to making a claim. If you were in a non fault accident, the claim would typically be against the at-fault driver's insurance.
As a passenger, you have the right to compensation for your injuries, medical expenses, and other damages. Hiring a solicitor or legal advisor can be a good idea if you’re unfamiliar with the process; they’ll ensure your rights are protected and guide you through the claims process.
