What is Subrogation & How It Affects Car Accident Settlements
Posted in: Car Accidents
Passengers in motor vehicle accidents often suffer significant injuries, even when they are not at fault. Columbus sees high vehicle traffic on roads like Morse Road, Olentangy River Road, and the heavily traveled highways surrounding the city.
Whether it was a collision on bustling Broad Street or a high-speed crash on I-270, being injured as a passenger can leave you facing overwhelming medical bills, lost income, and lasting trauma. With distracted driving, speeding, and congested roadways common, accidents involving passenger injuries occur frequently.
At Kisling, Nestico & Redick, our Columbus car accident lawyers understand passengers’ unique challenges after an accident. We are dedicated to fighting for your rights and securing the compensation you need. Contact KNR today for a free consultation.
Determining fault for passenger injuries in Columbus often involves evaluating the actions of multiple parties involved in the crash. Passengers are rarely, if ever, considered at fault, which strengthens your ability to seek compensation. However, liability may rest with:
Ohio’s comparative negligence law assigns a percentage of fault to each party involved, which can impact the compensation you receive. Working with an experienced attorney ensures all liable parties are identified and your recovery is maximized.
Passenger injuries in Columbus car accidents can range from minor discomfort to severe, life-altering conditions. Frequently reported injuries include:
These injuries often require extensive medical treatment, and many have long-term effects on a victim’s quality of life. Prompt medical attention and legal guidance are critical to securing the compensation needed for recovery.
Read What to Do After a Columbus Car Accident
As a passenger injured in a Columbus auto accident, you have several options to recover compensation. You can file a claim against the at-fault driver, whether it’s the driver of the vehicle you were in or another involved driver.
If the driver of your car caused the crash, you can pursue compensation through their insurance policy. When insurance negotiations fail or don’t result in a fair settlement, filing a personal injury lawsuit may be necessary to recover damages like medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Read Our Guide to Personal Injury Lawsuits in Columbus, OH
To secure compensation, injured passengers must prove negligence by demonstrating that one or more parties failed to act responsibly, directly causing the accident and resulting in injuries. This involves establishing four key elements:
Gathering strong evidence is essential to support these claims. Key evidence includes police reports documenting traffic violations, witness statements, and photos or videos of the crash site. In more complex cases, accident reconstruction experts can analyze vehicle damage, skid marks, and collision impact to determine fault.
Read our Guide to Car Accident Liability in Ohio
If you or a loved one were injured as a passenger in a car accident in Columbus, you may be entitled to recover compensation for all losses associated with the crash. Whether through an insurance claim or a personal injury lawsuit, a skilled attorney can help you seek compensation for:
Each passenger injury case is unique, requiring a thorough evaluation to calculate the full extent of your damages. At Kisling, Nestico & Redick, we are committed to ensuring all your losses are accounted for, helping you secure the compensation you need to rebuild and move forward.
Being injured as a passenger in a car accident may seem straightforward, but insurance companies often attempt to minimize payouts. They might dispute the severity of your injuries, suggest shared fault, or present a lowball settlement offer that falls short of covering your full damages. This is where having an experienced attorney can make all the difference.
A skilled lawyer will build a strong case by gathering critical evidence, including police reports, medical records, and witness statements, to establish fault and demonstrate the full extent of your losses. They will handle negotiations with insurance companies, ensuring tactics to undervalue your claim are countered effectively.
Filing a claim against your friend or family member’s insurance policy is not personal—it’s a way to cover your medical expenses and other damages caused by the accident. Their insurance exists to protect both the driver and any injured passengers, so you shouldn’t feel uncomfortable pursuing compensation.
Under Ohio’s comparative negligence laws, you can file claims against both drivers’ insurance policies if they share fault for the accident. Compensation will be divided based on the percentage of fault assigned to each driver, ensuring you receive the coverage you’re entitled to.
In Ohio, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is two years from the date of the accident. Acting promptly to preserve evidence, meet legal deadlines, and avoid losing your right to recover compensation is essential.
If you were injured as a passenger in an Uber or Lyft, ridesharing companies typically carry substantial insurance policies to cover injuries. These claims can be complex due to the involvement of multiple insurers, but a lawyer can help you navigate the process and maximize your recovery.
If you’ve been injured as a passenger in a car accident in Columbus, you have rights. At Kisling, Nestico & Redick, we are dedicated to fighting for injured passengers and ensuring you receive the compensation you need.
Contact KNR today at (614) 487-8669 or complete our online form for a free consultation. We serve Columbus, Franklin County, and surrounding areas.
View all Car Accidents resources