How Much Money Can a Passenger Get After a Car Accident?
In Florida, passengers who suffer severe injuries in a car accident due to another party’s negligence have the same right as drivers to file a personal injury claim and pursue compensation for their injuries and damages. One question passengers often ask after an accident is how much they can recover as compensation. So, how much money can a passenger recover in a Florida personal injury claim? In Florida, there isn’t a set amount for what passengers can expect to recover as compensation for injuries sustained in an accident because of another party’s fault. The amount of money a passenger can receive in a Florida personal injury claim depends on the specific factors surrounding their case. How much you recover in your personal injury claim depends on the specific factors surrounding your case.
Factors That Can Impact How Much Compensation a Passenger Gets
Every personal injury case is different, meaning there is no average amount passengers can expect to receive after filing a personal injury claim. The amount you recover in your personal injury case can vary based on several factors, including the following;
Extent of Injuries
One of the primary factors that can determine how much a passenger gets after a car accident is the extent of injuries. Generally, the more severe the injuries, the higher the compensation. More severe injuries usually require extensive medical treatment, which results in substantial medical expenses. More severe injuries result in a person staying away from work for a longer period or a significant reduction in earning capacity. Additionally, non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering, are more significant in cases of more severe injuries.
Quality of Evidence
The stronger your evidence, the better. Strong, compelling evidence can help you establish liability and substantiate the damages you are seeking. For example, thorough documentation of your medical expenses and the progression of your injuries can provide a clear and convincing picture of the extent of your injuries and damages.
Comparative Negligence
Florida follows the comparative negligence rule in personal injury cases, including those involving passengers injured in auto accidents. Under the comparative negligence rule, when a car accident occurs, fault is distributed among all the parties involved, and each party is liable for their proportionate share of the damages. In Florida, a passenger can still recover compensation in a personal injury claim even if they are partially to blame for their accident. However, their compensation will be reduced by their percentage of fault. So, whether or not you are partially to blame for your accident can impact how much you recover in your personal injury claim.
Insurance Policy Limits
The negligent party’s insurance policy limits can play a vital role in determining how much you recover in your personal injury claim. If the at-fault party that caused the accident has insufficient coverage to cover all your damages, it may limit how much you recover. When the at-fault party has inadequate insurance, exploring other avenues, such as the passenger’s uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage, becomes crucial.
Contact Us for Legal Help
If you’ve been involved in a car accident because of another party’s fault as a passenger, it is crucial that you work with a qualified personal injury lawyer. Our Lakeland car accident attorney at Darla K. Snead, P.L. has experience helping personal injury victims, including passengers, recover the compensation they deserve. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and discuss your case.
