Were you a passenger in a car that was hit by a drunk driver in Indiana? If so, you might wonder whether or not you’re eligible to collect compensation as a passenger in a DUI accident by taking legal action.
More than 4,000 DUI-related accidents take place in Indiana each year. The majority of those who file drunk driving accident claims in their aftermath are the drivers of those hit by impaired drivers. However, some passengers involved in these crashes may also look into seeking compensation after DUI accidents.
Find out if you can file a passenger injury claim following a DUI accident below.
Seeking Compensation as a Passenger in a DUI Accident Is Possible
Just because you weren’t driving a car that was hit by a drunk driver doesn’t mean you don’t have the right to take legal action against them. In Indiana, you’re free to seek compensation as a passenger in a DUI accident.
In many cases, the DUI passenger rights in Indiana are the same as the DUI driver rights. This means you can file a lawsuit against the person responsible for your accident. You may attempt to recover:
- Economic damages to account for medical bills, rehabilitation costs, and lost wages
- Non-economic damages to account for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life
You might even maintain the right to recover punitive damages in a DUI accident case if you can prove reckless or gross negligence on the part of a drunk driver. These damages are designed to punish those who demonstrate especially malicious conduct.
Consider Suing for DUI Car Accident Passenger Compensation in the Following Cases
Not everyone involved in a DUI accident as a passenger will have a strong enough case to take legal action. You will only be able to file a lawsuit against an impaired driver and collect car accident passenger compensation in certain instances.
You should think about taking legal action in the following cases:
- You sustained serious injuries during a DUI accident.
- You’ve dealt with emotional distress since being in a DUI accident.
- You attempted to file a DUI accident claim through your insurance company or an impaired driver’s insurance company and had it denied.
Hire the Right Lawyer To Increase the Chances of Collecting DUI Accident Compensation
Collecting compensation as a passenger in a DUI accident comes with its challenges. For this reason, make sure you hire the right lawyer to provide legal representation if you choose to move forward with a case.
Search for an attorney with experience working on cases that involve passengers sustaining injuries during DUI crashes. This alone should improve the odds of earning a settlement or judgment in your case.
A reliable lawyer will also assist you by answering any questions you might have while taking legal action against a drunk driver, making the legal process less stressful overall.
Touch Base With Us To Discuss Your DUI Passenger Rights
Being involved in a DUI accident can be physically and emotionally painful for drivers and passengers alike. With this in mind, it shouldn’t come as a surprise to hear that passengers may file drunk driving accident claims just like drivers.
If you were hurt in a drunk driving crash while riding as a passenger in someone else’s vehicle, seek compensation as a passenger in a DUI accident through Stewart & Stewart Attorneys. We will help you gather enough evidence to create a compelling case in your pursuit of fair compensation.
Give us a call at 800-333-3529 to schedule a consultation.