According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Americans spent more than $55 billion in work loss and medical costs due to car accidents in 2018. In Massachusetts, the total cost of Car Accident deaths was $522 million.

Many people are not aware of what to do if they are injured as a passenger in someone else’s car. You have the option of filing a car accident lawsuit against the at-fault driver with the help of a New Bedford car accident lawyer. The steps that you take to seek compensation will depend on the circumstances of the accident.

What Should You Do After a Car Accident?

The steps you take are similar to the ones you would take if you were the driver and they include:

• Calling 911 if anyone is injured
• Gather contact information of all parties involved in the accident
• Take as many pictures and videos as possible of the accident scene
• Allow paramedics to examine you and take you to the hospital no matter how minor you think your injuries are.
• Get copies of your medical bills and records and any out of pocket expenses you might have incurred while receiving treatment for your injuries
• File a car accident claim with the insurance company as soon as possible

If you suffered severe or permanent injuries, or the accident involved more than one party, it’s best to allow an experienced Car Accident Lawyer in New Bedford to handle your claim. This is because car accident claims under such circumstances are complex and you might end up making costly mistakes if you handle the claim yourself.

Are You Eligible For Insurance Coverage as a Passenger?

You may be able to seek compensation if the car policy covers:

• The driver of the car you were in
• The owner of the car if they weren’t the one driving when you got into the accident
• The at-fault driver of the other car
• The owner of the other car involved in the accident if they weren’t driving it
• Your own car accident policy

It’s crucial that you understand the coverage and policies that apply to your situation in order to get maximum compensation.