Who Can Claim Compensation After a Traffic Accident?

By Staff Reporter May 31, 2021 10:18 AM EDT

More than 3 million Americans are hurt in car accidents every year, yet many people remain unaware that they could obtain compensation for their injuries. As a result, millions of people suffer financial consequences due to an accident that wasn't their fault. If you've been injured on the road and you're unsure if you're eligible to make a claim, it's well worth getting legal advice. In the meantime, take a look at who can claim compensation after a traffic accident:

1. Drivers

Even if you were behind the wheel at the time of the incident, you could still be eligible to make a claim for compensation. With help from a Michigan auto accident law firm, you could prove that another road user was partly or wholly responsible for the accident. By doing so, you'll limit your own liability and establish causation, which is the first step to obtaining compensation after a car accident.

2. Passengers

As a passenger, it should be relatively easy to prove that you weren't responsible for the collision. After all, you weren't in control of a vehicle at the time of the accident and, presumably, you didn't contribute to the cause of the crash. While you'll still need to prove that your injuries occurred due to the incident itself, making a claim for compensation could be easier than you think.

Remember - passengers in private vehicles and on public transport can be eligible to take legal action if an accident occurs.

3. Motorcyclists

Sadly, motorcyclists can sustain very serious injuries if they're involved in an accident, and account for a significant number of traffic fatalities. Due to the limited protection a bike can offer, motorcyclists often experience severe injuries which can lead to a subsequent loss of income, permanent disability or lengthy periods of physical rehabilitation. While obtaining compensation won't alleviate the pain and discomfort, it can help you to cope with the aftereffects that this type of incident can have.

4. Cyclists

Similarly, cyclists are vulnerable road users too and can be badly hurt if they're caught up in a traffic accident. However, if another road user causes you harm while you're riding your bike, you may be able to take legal action against them and, if successful, you'll be awarded compensation for your injuries.

5. Pedestrians

Whether you're struck by a vehicle or hit by debris immediately following a collision, you should be able to make a claim for compensation if you've been injured by a car accident. Even if you were walking on the sidewalk, standing on a driveway or traveling through a parking lot, it's likely you'll be awarded compensation if you can show that someone else was responsible for your injuries.

Obtaining Compensation After an Accident

As you can see, virtually anyone can obtain compensation after a traffic accident, providing they're able to show that someone else was partly or wholly liable for the incident and that they sustained injuries due to the accident. If you've been hurt in this way, why not contact an auto accident lawyer to access bespoke advice now?