Hit from behind in West Jordan.

Imagine this scenario: you are in a vehicle, pulling off the freeway and slowing to a stop in West Jordan when out of nowhere you jolt forward as you are impacted by another car from the rear. The driver behind you was driving distracted, so they were not able to stop before causing a car accident. Unfortunately, you are injured as a result of the auto accident. But you are not the driver, you are only a passenger.

Auto accidents can occur whether or not you are driving the vehicle involved or are merely a passenger. What rights do you have as a passenger? Should you have to pay for the necessary medical treatment, or should someone’s insurance be paying for it? If insurance should be paying, which person’s insurance should be paying: your insurance, the driver’s insurance, or the at-fault driver’s insurance?

If you are injured in a car accident in West Jordan, even if you are a passenger, there are things you must know:

First, if you are an injured passenger, you should be covered by insurance! Don’t let insurance companies tell you that if you are not the driver you are not eligible for insurance coverage.

Second, make sure to obtain copies of all pertinent reports and information. You will want to take note of who the insurance carrier is for the at-fault or other driver as well as who the insurance carrier is for the driver of the vehicle you were in. If there is a police report, ask to obtain a copy of this. If you don’t know the driver of the car you are with very well, it is important to get this information as quickly as possible.

Third, report the accident and your injuries to the insurance companies. You will want to call the at-fault insurance company as well as your driver’s insurance company. You do not have to report the accident to your insurance company if your vehicle was not involved in the accident, but there can be situations where you could have additional benefits or higher limits that might apply, such as additional personal injury protection coverage.

Fourth, obtain the necessary medical treatment. Don’t wait to get treatment for your injuries. The longer you go without seeking medical attention the more complicated your injuries or the treatment of your injuries could become. There is no need to suffer.

Take note that in some cases the at-fault driver may not have insurance or may not have adequate insurance to cover all the medical expenses. If this is the case, you are not without help. Utah law requires insurance to have Uninsured or Underinsured motorist coverage, also known as UM or UIM coverage, although this can be waived.  What this means is that your driver’s insurance can actually cover the medical bills and claim for a settlement if you are unable to obtain coverage through the at-fault driver’s insurance.

Remember, often times being the passenger in an accident in West Jordan can leave you confused and not quite sure what do to. If this is the case, seek the advice of a professional. At Symco Injury Law we have dealt with many situations similar to the aforementioned accident. We can help you navigate insurance carriers and make sure that you know your rights, even as a passenger in a vehicle.