A 78-year old woman injured when her husband lost control of the car she was travelling in and collided with another vehicle has been awarded £34,000 in compensation from his insurance company.
The woman suffered a head injury leading to a brain bleed, five fractured ribs and compound fractures to her legs in the accident which happened on the way home from her son-in-law’s 50th birthday party. She spent two months in hospital and was initially dependent on a wheelchair. It took several months for her to recuperate enough to be able to undertake regular household tasks.
A claim was brought against her husband and a settlement was agreed with his insurance company.
Claiming passenger injury compensation
It is a little known fact that a passenger involved in an accident can claim against the driver of the vehicle they were travelling in if the driver was to blame for the accident, even if they are related. It may seem strange to be suing a friend or relative, but if you have been incapacitated by your injuries, as the woman returning from the family birthday party was, then you will need financial help so that you can afford the care and treatment you require. And if you are of working age, you will need to be compensated for your loss of earnings too.
Rather than considering it as claiming against a friend or relative, thinking in terms of pursuing the insurance company is a better way of viewing the situation. Without compensation you could be seriously out of pocket financially, so it makes sense to claim.
Passengers are rarely responsible for road traffic accidents, which means in the majority of cases, they will be entitled to personal injury compensation. If you have been injured as a passenger in a road traffic accident, Stephensons can help. Our specialist road traffic accident claims lawyers have successfully settled claims for numerous victims who were passengers, including motorcycle pillion passengers.
To find out whether you have a valid claim and to get your case started, call us on 01616 966 229.
By personal injury solicitor and Stephensons' Partner, Kate Sweeney
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