Passengers in automobiles are at the mercy of the driver of the vehicle in which they are riding in addition to all of the other drivers on the road. As such, automobile passengers have rights if they are injured in a car accident that may be vindicated against the driver of the car in which they are a passenger as well as the driver of any other car involved in an accident. Also, an injured automobile passenger may bring a suit against the driver of the car involved in a single-car accident. Accident claims involving passengers are highly complicated legal matters that require the expertise of a knowledgeable and successful Illinois passenger injury lawyer to obtain the largest settlement possible.
Under Illinois law of negligence, the operator of a motor vehicle owes a “duty of care” to the other motorists, motorcycle riders, bicyclists, and pedestrians on the road as well as the passengers riding in his or her vehicle. If a passenger is hurt in a car accident, the passenger can file a claim against the other driver for negligence and can file a claim against the driver of the vehicle in which he or she was a passenger, even if that driver is a relative or friend. That means the injured passenger can recover monetary compensation for all losses caused by every negligent party who caused a car accident. Those damages include medical damages, lost wages, lost economic advancement, as well as pain and suffering.
The injured passenger should understand that the driver of the car in which they rode at the time of the accident may be covered by insurance. Therefore, the injured passenger is not pursuing damages from the driver personally but seeking access to coverage guaranteed by a valid insurance policy. Still, the injured passenger might feel trepidation or guilt for protecting his or her rights. While that is understandable, not pursuing the insurance coverage on your relative or friend’s car might leave you with a significant loss. Talking with your Illinois accident attorney will help you determine the best strategy for your case.
INJURED? CALL STEIN SHULMAN, LLC FOR YOUR INSTANT CASE ANALYSIS
Stein & Shulman, LLC has over 45 years of combined experienced in Illinois Personal Injury Law. You can receive a free and instant case review by calling our office at 312.422.0500.
Stein & Shulman, LLC
134 N LaSalle St, #820
Chicago, IL 60602
312.422.0500
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