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Covering passenger injuries in a car accident

Have you been injured as a passenger in a car accident in Kentucky? If so, you have several options that may allow you to collect compensation for your injuries. Even though the aftermath of a mishap can be frightening, you can still take steps to ensure your health afterwards.

Options for filing a claim

As a passenger in a vehicle involved in a car accident, you have several options allowing you to recoup compensation for any injuries you may have sustained. These are the three to consider:

  • Filing a claim with the other driver’s insurance
  • Filing a claim with your auto policy
  • Filing a claim through your health insurance

Whether you can take the first option depends on whether the driver of the car you were in or the other driver is at fault. If you were in the vehicle that caused the accident, you wouldn’t be able to file with the other driver’s insurance company. If several people were injured, you may not recoup enough money to pay for your medical treatment, especially if the other driver has minimal coverage for body liability.

For some cases, you may also be able to file a claim through the auto policy of the person whose car you were in if they have personal injury protection (PIP) or medical payments coverage. If the first two options aren’t available, you can file a claim with your private health insurance.

What if I have catastrophic injuries?

When victims suffer serious injuries from car wrecks, often auto insurance coverage is not enough to cover medical treatments. Catastrophic injuries involve issues such as traumatic brain injuries, multiple broken bones, soft tissue issues, and more, requiring multiple surgeries and months of rehabilitation.

If you are a victim of catastrophic injuries, you may be able to file a legal claim against the driver who caused the accident. Proceeds from a successful lawsuit can help pay for your medical bills, pain and suffering, living expenses, time off work and other losses.