Am I Covered in An Accident if I’m a Passenger?
There is a large focus on auto insurance and the protections in place for the operators of a vehicle along with any damage to property that might occur. But what is discussed less frequently is whether there is coverage in place for passengers in the vehicle when an accident occurs. What happens when they incur medical expenses through no fault of their own?
Usually, coverage for passengers is related to fault. All drivers are required by law to carry third-party insurance that covers damage to any other person that was not directly involved in the accident, In situations where passengers are not to blame and a driver is liable for the damage, the coverage may be limited. Driver do have the option to take out additional insurance to ensure that all passengers are covered no matter who is at fault.
Get insurance documentation as soon as possible
If you have been injured in a car where you are the passenger, it is important that you obtain insurance documents as soon as you can. This will help you to be able to take action on recouping damages.
Take responsibility for safety
Even though you are not the driver of the car, you still have the responsibility of being proactive for your own safety. You should always wear a seat belt whenever the car is in motion and avoid distracting the driver.
If you have been involved in an accident as a passenger and you are confused about insurance coverage, you should make sure to gather all documentation from the driver before taking action.