If you have been in an accident as the passenger in a car, you have just as much right to a settlement and to ensure your bills are taken care of as the driver does, as well as any other not-at-fault parties. This is the case if the person you’re riding with is a friend, family, an acquaintance, or even if you’re in a rideshare vehicle such as Uber or Lyft.

According to the passenger in a car accident settlement examples listed on this page, and our own data – the typical Georgia passenger in a car accident settlement is anywhere from $100,000 to $425,000. Settlements depend greatly on the unique circumstances of each case, which is why there is no accurate average settlement amount for a passenger in a car accident in Georgia.

 

What are Some Recent Passenger In A Car Accident Settlements In Georgia Near Me?

You may be wondering, “How much money can a passenger in a car accident get?” – drivers tend to be more involved in any accident than a passenger. Can a passenger be reimbursed for their medical payments, time off work, etc.? The answer is, absolutely! Here are some of the settlements we’ve recovered for passengers in car accidents recently:

$350,000 Settlement – Passenger in Auto Accident: Spine Injury From Intersection Accident

Our auto accident attorneys represented an injured Monroe man who was a passenger in a vehicle when he suffered a fractured C6 and C7 vertebrae. Our client suffered a herniation and fractured vertebrae while riding in a minivan that was struck at a red light intersection. Our client retained the firm and was able to be seen and treated by a board certified neurologist with privileges at Athens Regional Hospital because of The Kalka Law Group. Our client has made a great recovery.

$150,000 Settlement – Passenger in Vehicle Accident: Improper Lane Change Accident, Broken Ribs, Lung Contusion and Blood Clots

Our Client was involved in a life-threatening automobile accident. He was riding in the passenger seat of a vehicle when that vehicle made an improper left turn, failing to yield to oncoming traffic. As a result, the vehicle in which our client was riding was struck on its side. The fire department and EMS rushed to the scene where the fire department removed Mr. McClendon via the “jaws of life,” and the ambulance rushed our client to the hospital. Our client was released by Atlanta Medical Center, but later returned to Kennestone Hospital for failure to breathe. Doctors discovered, in addition to his broken ribs and lung contusion, that our client had developed pulmonary embolism (blood clot in the pulmonary artery), pleural effusion (buildup of fluid in the chest cavity surrounding the lungs), as well as severe pulmonary hypertension. As a result, he had below level oxygen in his blood (hypoxia) and his muscle tissue was breaking down (Rhabdomylysis). Our client received a settlement in the amount of $150,000.

$100,000 Settlement – Passenger in Car Accident: Rear-End Accident Results in Serious Ankle Injuries

Client was a passenger in a car that was turning left into a driveway from Flat Shoals Road in DeKalb County when they were suddenly rear-ended. The other driver was following too closely to their vehicle and took their eyes off the road, resulting in the collision. The client has since suffered serious ankle pain which will have to be resolved by undergoing reconstructive surgery. Due to their negligent behavior, Attorney Owings at The Kalka Law Group recovered a $100,000 settlement to cover the costs of pain and suffering, medical expenses, time off work, and other related costs.

$425,000 Settlement – Passenger in Ride Share Car Accident: Broken Sternum

Our client was riding in a ride-share on I-85/75 when the driver suffered a fatal heart attack. The driver lost control, causing the car to spin out and hit a wall. While tragically the driver died in the crash, our client was also injured and sustained a broken sternum, which required surgery for repair. We negotiated a settlement of $425,000 for our client’s loss of work, injuries, and medical bills.

 

What are some recent passenger in a car accident settlements in Georgia near me?What Are My Rights As A Passenger In A Car Accident?

In Georgia, if you were a passenger in a vehicle that was involved in an accident – you have the same right to compensation and restitution as the person driving the car. You have the right to seek compensation for injuries, including medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering and any other related damages. You can file a claim against the at-fault driver – your compensation is your own claim – not attached to the driver of your car and their claim (if they are not the at-fault driver.)

You will deal directly with insurance companies – not through any other party. This is why it’s important to hire an attorney that is on your side rather than just taking on your part of the claim because you were in the car with their client. You absolutely can refuse a settlement offer even if the driver of your car accepts their offer.

 

Who Is Responsible For Your Bills If You’re A Passenger In A Car Accident?

If you’re a passenger in a car accident, the insurance of the driver who is at fault is responsible for your bills. This applies even if the at-fault driver is the one driving the car you’re in. Typically, the at-fault driver’s liability insurance policy is responsible for covering your medical expenses and other damages resulting from the accident. This applies whether you were in their car or another vehicle.

Georgia is not a no-fault state when it comes to auto accidents (Georgia is a “fault” state) – so the at-fault driver must be determined to proceed with a claim. This is why it’s imperative to call 911 and have a police officer create a police report related to the accident. If the dispatcher tells you to self-report the accident, know that the details matter. So, take photos of everything, including road signs, marks on the road, weather conditions, car positions, and more.

There may be other potential sources of coverage after your car accident in Georgia:

  • Your own auto insurance:
    • Medical Payments (MedPay): These coverages, which are optional in Georgia, can pay for your medical expenses regardless of fault.
    • Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage: This helps if the at-fault driver has no insurance or insufficient coverage. The coverage is optional in Georgia, and you may not have this on your own policy to cover if the person who is at fault is uninsured or has too little insurance.
  • Your own health insurance: Your health insurance can cover medical expenses, but you might be responsible for deductibles, co-pays, or out-of-pocket costs.

Because these cases can be so complicated, it’s highly recommended to consult with one of our qualified Georgia car accident passenger injury attorneys who can:

  • Review your specific situation
  • Explain your legal options
  • Advise you on filing claims with insurance companies
  • Negotiate settlements to ensure you receive fair compensation

Contact us today for a free consultation. We don’t get paid unless we win.

 

I Was a Passenger in a Car Accident, Who Do I Sue?

If you were a passenger in a car accident and are not fairly compensated by insurance, you would likely sue the at-fault driver’s insurance company with the help of a lawyer. Just as if you were driving the car, the at-fault driver’s insurance is responsible – even if the at-fault person is driving the car you’re riding in. There may also be other parties involved that can be sued, such as the driver’s employer (ex. in a truck accident), a vehicle parts manufacturer (ex. if a defective product is involved), and potentially others.

These cases can quickly get complex. That’s just one reason that if you were a passenger in an accident, it’s typically best to talk to an injury lawyer for a free case consultation, regardless of whether the vehicle you were in was at-fault.

 

What To Do If You’re Injured In A Car Accident As A Passenger

The steps you should take as a passenger in a car accident are very much like those you should take as a driver. Because you’ll have your own claim(s) and as you should hire your own attorney – these steps can make a big difference as you negotiate payment for medical bills and settlement:Immediately after the accident:

  • Seek medical attention: Even if you don’t feel injured, get checked out by a doctor or emergency responder. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent, and early diagnosis and treatment can improve outcomes.
  • Call the police: If there are injuries or significant property damage, it’s essential to call the police. They will investigate the accident, gather information, and file a report.
  • Gather information: If possible, exchange information with the drivers involved (including the driver of the vehicle you’re in), including names, contact details, insurance information, and license plate numbers. Take pictures of the damage to vehicles, the scene, and any visible injuries.
  • Contact your own insurance company: Inform your insurance company about the accident and any injuries you sustained. They can guide you through the claims process and answer questions about coverage.

In the days following the accident, you should be sure to keep detailed records. Sit down and write down everything you can remember about the accident as soon as you can. Create a folder and document everything related to the accident, including medical bills, doctor’s notes, repair estimates, lost wages, and other expenses. Your attorney will use this information to build a case to negotiate your settlement!

 

Contact the Experienced Georgia Injured in a Car Accident as a Passenger Settlement Experts Near You at Kalka Law

Were you injured as a passenger in a car accident in Georgia? Don’t wait to get the compensation you deserve.  Our team of experienced Georgia car accident attorneys and truck accident lawyers at the Kalka Law Group will help you navigate the complexities of your case and fight for the maximum compensation you’re entitled to.

The Kalka Law Group understands the complexities of all car accident settlement cases. We have a proven track record of success in securing substantial settlements for our clients, as evidenced by the examples shared above.

Contact us today or call us at (404) 529-9371 for a free consultation. We work on contingency, so you won’t pay a dime unless we win your case.

 

If you are interested in reviewing average settlement amounts for other types of Georgia accidents see our additional resources on the matter: