Thanksgiving often means traveling to spend time with family and friends. You might ride with a parent, sibling, friend, relative, or another person rather than drive yourself.
But what happens if the vehicle you are riding in is involved in a crash?
Many passengers hesitate to ask about their legal rights because the driver is someone they know and care about. You may worry that making a claim will damage a family relationship.
The important thing to remember is that a passenger injured in a car accident may have legal options, regardless of whether the driver is a friend or relative.
Passengers Can Be Injured Even When They Did Nothing Wrong
As a passenger, you may have had no control over the collision.
The crash could involve the vehicle you were riding in, another driver, or both.
Your injuries might include broken bones, neck or back injuries, traumatic brain injuries, or other harm.
You should focus first on receiving appropriate medical care. You should not feel pressured to minimize your injuries simply because you know the driver personally.
What Should You Do Immediately After the Crash?
If you are able, get to a safe location and call 911 when appropriate.
Exchange information with the involved drivers and obtain information about insurance coverage.
If law enforcement responds, provide an accurate account of what you remember.
Take photographs if it is safe to do so.
You should also seek medical attention if you are injured or develop symptoms after the collision.
Being a passenger does not mean you should simply wait to see whether your injuries disappear.
What If the Driver Is Your Family Member?
This is one of the most common concerns passengers have.
You may think, “I don’t want to sue my brother,” or “I don’t want to make a claim against my relative.”
However, a personal injury claim is often handled through insurance rather than requiring an injured passenger to personally collect money from a loved one.
The specific insurance coverage and circumstances matter, so you should not make assumptions about what will happen before understanding the available coverage.
Seeking legal advice does not mean you are accusing your family member of intentionally harming you.
It means you are trying to understand your rights after suffering an injury.
What If Another Driver Caused the Crash?
If another vehicle caused the collision, the claim may involve that driver’s insurance.
For example, you could be riding with a relative when another driver runs a red light and strikes the vehicle.
In that situation, your status as a passenger does not prevent you from pursuing a claim based on the injuries you suffered.
Again, the specific facts and available insurance coverage matter.
Document Your Injuries and Expenses
After the accident, keep records of your medical treatment.
Save bills, receipts, prescriptions, appointment information, and other documentation.
If you miss work because of your injuries, keep track of those dates and any related documentation.
You may also want to keep a personal record of how your injuries affect your normal activities.
Pain and physical limitations can affect more than your medical bills. They can interfere with work, household responsibilities, family activities, and daily life.
Do Not Let Family Pressure Cause You to Ignore an Injury
Thanksgiving is about spending time together, and nobody wants a family gathering to become a source of conflict.
But protecting a relationship should not require you to ignore a serious injury.
If you need medical treatment, get it.
If an insurance company contacts you, understand what you are being asked before agreeing to anything.
If you are unsure about your legal rights, getting information from a personal injury attorney can help you make an informed decision without assuming that pursuing a claim means attacking a family member.
When Should You Talk to a Lawyer?
Consider speaking with an attorney if you suffered significant injuries, face substantial medical expenses, missed work, or are uncertain about which insurance policy may apply.
At Cossé Injury Law, we represent injured passengers and other people involved in Louisiana auto accidents.
Our attorneys serve clients in New Orleans, Covington, and communities throughout Louisiana.
If you were injured while riding with a friend or relative during Thanksgiving travel, contact Cossé Injury Law at (504) 438-2342 to discuss your situation.