Helpful Legal Options for Passengers After a Car Accident

Being a passenger in a car accident can be scary, whether it is a car crash caused by the driver of another vehicle, or the driver of the vehicle you’re riding in.

If the driver of the vehicle you were a passenger in was texting and driving, perhaps you asked him or her to put the phone down and pay attention. If the driver was intoxicated or drowsy, you may have offered to drive.

But you’re not the one in control. Therefore, as a passenger, you are not at-fault when a crash occurs. However, knowing where to turn can be confusing. With multiple insurance companies involved, who would you recover damages from?

New Hampshire car insurance explained

Such a claim would involve the other driver’s insurer, your driver’s insurer, as well as your insurer. In New Hampshire, drivers aren’t necessarily required to purchase insurance. In the event of a crash, however, at-fault drivers who are uninsured are required to purchase minimum insurance and file an SR-22 form with the Division of Motor Vehicles for a minimum of three years.

The minimum insurance requirement covers:

• $25,000 in bodily injury per person in an accident
• $50,000 in bodily injury for all parties involved in an accident
• $25,000 for property damage
• $25,000/$50,000 for uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage
• $1,000 for medical payments coverage

If your driver didn’t cause the accident, you would be eligible for a claim against the other driver and his or her insurer. On the other hand, if your driver was at fault, you may be eligible for a claim against his or her insurer. Those aren’t your only options.

Luckily, MedPay is required for all New Hampshire drivers who purchase car insurance. It's a "no-fault" policy that can cover your medical costs accrued within three years of a crash with an uninsured driver or in a hit-and-run.

According to nerdwallet, MedPay may cover the following damages, depending on the terms of your policy:

• Medical treatment for injuries drivers and their passengers sustained in a crash – including dental, surgical, and/or chiropractic care
• Medical treatment for injuries that passengers sustain in a crash
• Ambulance fees
• X-rays, prostheses, and nurse care
• Funeral costs in the event of a death
• Health insurance deductibles

Why you need an attorney

MedPay doesn’t, however, reimburse your lost wages while you recover. Even if you’re medical expenses are paid for after a crash, being out of work for an extended period can be financially draining. In addition, you may not be able to engage in activities you once enjoyed or perform daily tasks. This can result in prolonged mental and emotional anguish for crash victims.

That’s where the legal team at Burns, Bryant, Cox, Rockefeller & Durkin, P.A. comes in. Our experienced car accidents attorneys will help you explore all legal options and work tirelessly for your compensation. You deserve every penny of it.

Contact us today to learn how we can help.