Georgia auto accidents are hazardous to the drivers and the passengers of the involved vehicles. Yet the questions that passengers must deal with are a bit different from those of the drivers. The drivers know that the at-fault driver’s auto insurance policy is the one to turn to for compensation and that comparative negligence rules may apply if they are also partly to blame. Passengers, on the other hand, may not know where to turn to get their injuries covered, especially if the auto accident was caused by multiple parties. What you can rest assured of is that you will not be assigned any blame for the incident. As a passenger, there is not much that you could have done to prevent the collision, and you won’t have to worry about being partly responsible for your own injuries.
Passengers Have Risks That Drivers Don’t
Drivers and passengers in auto accidents face some of the same hazards and risks, though there are some that are unique or more serious to one or the other. For instance, a driver is more likely to get whiplash, an injury to the neck, because of how they are sitting and the stiffness of their posture. Meanwhile, passengers are more likely to have broken bones or to be crushed due to the positions that they may be sitting in. If a passenger has their knees drawn up to their chest or their feet resting on the dashboard, for example, then the passenger is at greater risk for injuries associated with these awkward positions. Passengers are also more likely to not wear their seat belts, particularly in the back seat, where they frequently imagine that they are safer. This means that passengers are more likely to be thrown from the vehicle, tossed around the cab, or slammed into the roof. When it comes to children, the risks are even greater if they are not properly restrained. Even with proper restraints, children are smaller and more vulnerable to crushing injuries and projectile injuries. When not properly restrained, children are at greater risk of internal injuries from improperly buckled seat belts, being thrown from the vehicle, or being tossed around the cab or struck by an object.
The most common injuries among passengers in a Georgia auto accident include traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), whiplash, lesions and bruises, fractured bones, spinal cord injuries, and internal injuries. The internal injuries can affect the lungs, heart, or other organs, and frequently occur because of seat belts that are not positioned properly. As a passenger, you should always ensure that your seat belt shoulder strap does not cross your neck and that your lap belt is not across your belly.
The Aftermath of a Georgia Auto Accident for the Injured Passengers
Whenever passengers are injured in a Georgia auto accident, they need to know what to do in the aftermath of the collision. In some cases, the injuries may be so severe that there is not much that the injured passenger can do for themselves. Remaining as calm as possible is the most important thing. If you are in tremendous pain or suspect head or spine injuries, then you should also attempt to remain as still as possible. Call for help if there is nobody responding to your injuries, and if you are able to do so. If you are not the most severely injured person and if you are physically able to help others, then you should do everything you can to attend to the injuries of other people involved in the accident and call for emergency help.
Once you know that all injuries have been attended to and the police and emergency medical assistance have responded, then you can work on collecting information and evidence. Just like the involved drivers, you are going to need the auto insurance information and contact details of everyone involved and the contact information of any witnesses. You can also take photos of the injuries, the property damage, and any relevant road conditions. You can ask the police about getting a copy of the police report, and contact a car crash attorney as quickly as possible.
In some cases, you may not think you are injured, or you may think you’re injuries are minor. In any event, you need to seek a full medical evaluation to be sure. You may have injuries that you are unaware of or that are much more serious than you suspect. Seeking medical treatment quickly ensures that any injuries you have are identified and treated right away. It also ensures that you are able to prove that the injuries did result from the auto accident, which will be important when seeking compensation.
Contacting the attorneys at John B. Jackson & Associates is a good first step towards recovering compensation after your passenger auto accident. You may hear from the auto insurance company before you contact a car crash attorney. If you do, you’ll want to refrain from providing a statement until you’ve had a chance to talk to a lawyer. It is very easy to get tripped up by the questions and implications of the auto insurance claims adjuster, and you don’t want to say anything that might damage your claim. Your attorney will gather evidence, evaluate the situation, and calculate the value of a fair settlement.
Contact a Georgia Auto Accident Attorney
If you were injured as a passenger in a Carrollton, Georgia auto accident, you need skilled and experienced legal advice. A skilled car crash attorney at John B. Jackson & Associates can help. We know how to help you get the compensation that you are owed to address your injuries, lost wages, pain and suffering, and any other relevant damages. Call today to schedule a free consultation and case evaluation. We’ll help you sort through the confusing aftermath of your accident, figure out who is liable for your damages, and work to ensure that you get the compensation you deserve.
