Auto accidents in Georgia are very hazardous for both the passengers and drivers in the vehicles that are involved. However, the questions that passengers need to deal with are somewhat different than the ones that drivers are faced with. Drivers know that the auto insurance policy of the at-fault driver is the one to seek compensation from and that comparative negligence rules might apply if they are partly to blame as well. On the other hand, passengers might not know where they should turn to in order to have their injuries covered, particularly if multiple parties caused the auto accident which is where an Atlanta car accident lawyer can help you. What you can be certain of is that you won’t be assigned any of the blame for the accident. As a passenger in one of the vehicles, there isn’t much you can do to prevent a collision, and so you won’t need to be concerned about being held partially responsible for the injuries that you have sustained.
Passengers Have Certain Risks That Drivers Do Not Have
Some of the same risks and hazards are faced by both passengers and drivers in auto accidents. However, there are also some that are more serious or unique to one or the other of these two parties. For example, it is more likely that a driver will get whiplash, which is a neck injury, due to how they sit and how stiff their posture is. On the other hand, it is more likely that a passenger will get crushed or have bones broken due to the position that might be sitting in. For example, a passenger who had their knees folded up to their chest or had their feet up on the dashboard is at a greater risk for certain injuries that are associated with those awkward positions. It is also more likely for passengers to not wear a seat belt, especially when they are riding in the back seat since they often imagine they are safer back there. That means it is more likely for passengers to be thrown out of the vehicle, slammed up into the roof, or tossed about the cab.
If children are not restrained properly there is an even greater risk of injury. Even when children have the proper restraints, they are more vulnerable and smaller to projectile injuries and crushing injuries. When children are not properly restrained, they are at a higher risk of internal injuries due to being struck by objects, being tossed about the cab, being thrown out of the vehicle or from having an improperly buckled seat belt.
In Georgia auto accidents, the most common injuries sustained by passengers include internal injuries, spinal cord injuries, fractured bones, bruises, lesions, whiplash, and traumatic brain injuries. Internal injuries may affect the lungs, heart, and other organs, and often occur due to seat belts not being in the proper position. Passengers should always make sure that their shoulder strap seat belt doesn’t cross over their neck, and that the lap belt is not across the stomach.
The Aftermath Of An Auto Accident In George For Injured Passengers
Anytime a passenger is injured in an auto accident in Georgia, it is important for them to know what they need to do after the collision occurs. In certain cases, their injuries might be so severe that there isn’t a lot that an injured passenger can actually do for themselves. The most important thing to do is to stay as calm as you possibly can. If you suspect you have a spine or head injury or are suffering from tremendous pain, then you also should try to stay as still as you possibly can. If no one is responding to your injuries, call for help if you can. If there are other people who are more seriously injured than you are and you can physically help them, do whatever you can to attend to their injuries and call to get emergency help.
After you know all injuries are being attended to and emergency medical assistance and the police have responded, you can then start to work on gathering evidence and information. Just like the drivers who are involved, you will need to have contact details and auto insurance information from everyone who was involved in the accident along with contact information from any witnesses. You also can take photos of relevant road conditions, property damage, and injuries. You can ask the police about obtaining a copy of the police report and call a car crash attorney as soon as you can.
In certain situations, you might not realize you are injured, or you might think you just have minor injuries. No matter what, you should always have a full medical evaluation done. You might have injuries that you aren’t aware of or that are a lot more serious than you realize. When you seek out medical treatment right away that helps to ensure that any injuries you might have are quickly identified and treated. It also helps to ensure that you can prove that your injuries were a result of the auto accident, which can be important when you are seeking compensation.
A good first step to take toward receiving compensation or your passenger auto accident is to contact The Weinstein Firm and speak to one of our attorneys. You might hear from an auto insurance company prior to contacting a car crash lawyer. If you do, you should refrain from providing them with a statement until you have had an opportunity to speak with an attorney. You can easily be tripped up by the implications and questions of a claims adjuster from the insurance company, and you don’t want to say something that could damage your claim. Your lawyer will collect evidence, assesses the situations, and calculate a fair settlement value.
Call A Georgia Auto Accident Lawyer
If you were injured in an auto accident in Atlanta, Georgia as a passenger, you need to receive experienced and skilled legal advice. A knowledgeable car crash lawyer at The Weinstein Firm can assist you. We know what needs to be done in order to get the compensation that you are entitled to that addresses your pain and suffering, lost wages, injuries, and any other damages that are relevant. Give us a call today to get your free case evaluation and free consultation scheduled. We can help you sort through the complex and confusing aftermath of your auto accident, determine who is liable for the damages you have sustained, and work hard to ensure that you receive the compensation that you deserve.
