Most people think about the driver in an accident. It’s their insurance and their vehicle. They’re the ones impacted by it.
But what happens if you’re a passenger in a car wreck? Who pays for your medical claims and damages?
Coverage for Passengers
If you’re an injured passenger, the at-fault driver’s insurance will typically pay your claims.
So, if the driver of the vehicle you’re in causes the accident, their insurance may cover you. It can be more complicated if that person is a member of your household, such as a spouse or child.
If another driver is at-fault, your claim will be filed with their insurance. Whatever damages or bills related to your injuries you sustained may be covered, depending on their policy limits.
In some situations, the drivers could share the blame so that you may file claims with each driver’s insurance.
Uninsured and Underinsured Claims
Unfortunately, being in an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver is common. In South Carolina, drivers are required to have uninsured driver’s insurance. If the at-fault driver doesn’t have coverage, your policy, if you have one, may protect you.
It’s also possible that your damages could exceed the at-fault driver’s insurance policy. You may have underinsured motorist coverage through your insurance company, which means your policy could cover your losses. In some cases, you’ll likely need an attorney to pursue this route.
Making Sure Passengers Are Protected
Being a passenger in a car accident is scary. And you may need clarification about what you should do next. Our team is happy to offer a free consultation to see if we can help your case.
