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Car accidents don’t discriminate when it comes to occupants suffering injuries. Occupants can be seriously harmed whether they, their family members, or their friends were driving at the time of the crashes.
Most victims aren’t reluctant to file claims against negligent drivers in other vehicles in order to recoup some of their accident-related expenses. But when victims were passengers in vehicles driven by people close to them, they may be much less likely to pursue compensation due to fear of financially burdening their family members or friends.
If you’re hurt in a crash that was caused by someone close to you, it’s important to know what to do to protect your health and rights to compensation.
Experiencing a car crash is always a distressing event, and it can be even more complicated and emotionally charged when a friend or family member is responsible for it. In these situations, it's important to balance the impact of the crash on your personal relationship with the money you’ll need to aid in your recovery.
Here are important steps to follow after a crash caused by a friend or family member:
Auto accidents are often extremely expensive. The combination of medical bills and lost wages can drain savings and send victims and their families on a path toward financial distress. Filing compensation claims can help victims recoup some or all of their accident-related costs, but filing a claim against a friend or relative carries a stigma in some people’s minds.
If you were hurt in a crash that was caused by someone you know, don’t hesitate to pursue the money you deserve. It’s important to remember that in most cases, victims don’t file claims directly against their friends or family. Instead, they file claims against those people’s insurance policies. Those policies are designed to protect anyone who gets harmed in accidents, regardless of their relationships to the policyholders.
One of the most difficult aspects of the aftermath of a crash caused by a friend or family member is discussing your intention to file an injury claim against them or their insurance provider. It’s a conversation that requires a delicate balance of honesty, empathy, and directness.
Following these tips can help:
At Nurenberg Paris, we understand that filing a claim against a family member’s or friend’s insurance provider may make you feel uncomfortable. That’s why we approach such claims with the utmost sensitivity and respect for all involved parties.
You deserve compensation for what you’ve gone through, and we’ll do everything in our power to help you get it. Call our Ohio car accident attorneys today for a free consultation.
Originally published February 22, 2019.
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