• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to footer
Whiplash & Whiplash Injury St. Louis

Whiplash & Whiplash Injury St. Louis

  • Whiplash
    • What is Whiplash?
    • How Long Does Whiplash Last?
  • Symptoms
  • Treatment
    • Exercises
    • Physiotherapy
    • Surgery
  • Compensation
  • Car Accident
    • What to Do When You Get in a Car Accident
    • The Most Common Causes of Car Accidents
    • Wrong Way Car Crash
    • Why Hire a St. Louis Car Accident Lawyer?
    • Injuries
      • Brain Injury
      • Delayed Injuries
      • Head Injury
      • Leg Injury
    • T-Bone Accident
    • Uninsured Motorist
    • Who Pays My Medical Bills?
  • Whiplash St. Louis Blog

Passenger in a St. Louis Car Accident: Understanding Your Rights

March 4, 2019 by Christopher

Though the law involving traffic is clearly defined, it may not be so easy to understand what the right course of action should be.

The disputes regarding car accidents generally revolve around identifying what party is to blame, and therefore liable for compensation for injuries. However, one matter is very clear: as a passenger, there is usually no question of whether you are at-fault or not.

As such, you can legally file a claim for damages to any injuries you sustained as a result of the vehicle collision, and there are a number of different possibilities.

passenger in car accident

What Does the Law Say?

According to the Missouri statutes, all drivers are required to carry auto insurance to have a valid license. That way, they are protected in case of an accident. But when the person wanting to file a claim is the passenger, there are three options to take:

1. File a Claim against One of the Drivers

If the driver you were with is found responsible for the action, then they are generally liable for compensation. The same principle applies if the guilt falls on the driver of the other vehicle. In any case, as a passenger, you’ll likely have to file a claim through the insurance company of the driver accountable for your injuries.

2. File a Claim with Your Insurance Company

You can also file a claim with your company carrying your health insurance, either to get extra funds to cover medical bills or in the event that neither driver can be held liable for any damages. However, this policy only covers your medical expenses, so if you’ve sustained any property damage, or even if you’ll have to miss days from work while recovering, these expenses may not be covered.

3. Filing a Claim Against Other At-Fault Parties

In some cases, the drivers aren’t the ones responsible for the collision. In these situations, it’s possible there are other parties who can be held accountable like, for instance, governmental institutions.

It’s possible to file a claim for your injuries against these third-parties, but the process itself can be extremely complicated. This is best discussed with an experienced attorney.

Are You Liable?

It’s not impossible for a passenger to be found guilty of causing a car accident. For instance, if you pull the driver’s wheel, or intentionally distract them from the road, you could also be held responsible for the collision, and therefore you are open to liability.

In such cases, passengers can even face criminal charges, if it is found they intentionally caused the collision. However, these circumstances are rare.

Each Case Is Unique

Though the law involving traffic is clearly defined, it may not be so easy to understand what the right course of action should be. That’s because the defining elements of your case can say a lot about the outcome.

Speak With an Attorney 24/7

Because of this, you should discuss your case with an experienced St. Louis car accident lawyerbefore you take any course of action. With their help, you can understand your case and how you should proceed to get compensated. Give us a call 24/7 at (314) 361-4242 for a FREE case evaluation.

Get in Touch

Related Posts:

  • St. Louis Car Accident Attorney
    St. Louis Car Accident Attorney
  • St. Louis Car Accident Involving an Uninsured Driver
    St. Louis Car Accident Involving an Uninsured Driver
  • What You Can Do to Avoid a Car Accident on Your Next Road Trip
    What You Can Do to Avoid a Car Accident on Your Next Road…
  • Contributory vs Comparative Negligence - How They Can Impact Your Car Accident Case
    Contributory vs Comparative Negligence - How They Can Impact…
  • Pre Existing Injury Aggravated in Car Accident
    Pre Existing Injury Aggravated in Car Accident
  • Semi-Truck Accidents - St. Louis Injury Attorney
    Semi-Truck Accidents - St. Louis Injury Attorney

Filed Under: Whiplash St. Louis Blog Tagged With: passenger injury

Footer

The Hoffmann Law Firm, L.L.C.
130 S Bemiston Ave # 603
St. Louis, MO 63105
(314) 361-4242

Free Consultation Request

    RSS St. Louis Car Accident Attorney – Car Accident Lawyer St. Louis

    • 5 Common Types of Accidents Caused By Drunk Drivers
    • Daylight Savings Time Car Accidents – St. Louis Accident Lawyer
    • The 5 Steps of the Mediation Process for a St. Louis Car Accident
    • Step to Appeal a Denied St. Louis Car Accident Claim
    • 4 Unique Driver Distractions St. Louis Uber and Lyft Drivers Face
    • 5 Tips to Prevent Texting and Driving Car Accidents in St. Louis
    • Soft Tissue Injuries From St. Louis Car Accident – Common Misconceptions
    • Foot and Ankle Pain From a St. Louis Car Accident
    • Spinal Cord Injury Pain After a St. Louis Car Accident
    • Injured in an Uber or Lyft Accident in St. Louis? Know Your Options for Compensation

    Copyright © 2023 The Hoffmann Law Firm L.L.C.
    The images included on this site are not actual attorneys, events, or clients. The choice of a lawyer is an important decision and should not be based solely on advertisements. The information you obtain at this site is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. You should consult an attorney for advice regarding your individual situation. We invite you to contact us and welcome your calls, letters and electronic mail. Contacting us does not create an attorney-client relationship. Please do not send any confidential information to us until such time as an attorney-client relationship has been established. Attorney Chris Hoffmann handles car and truck accident claims throughout Eastern Missouri and Western Illinois. He represents injured clients in St. Louis, St. Charles, St. Peters, Clayton, East St. Louis, Alton, Hillsboro and Belleville, and other cities in St. Louis County, St. Charles County, and Jefferson Country, MO, and St. Clair County and Madison County, IL.