Injured Passengers

Experienced NYC Passenger Injury Lawyer

shutterstock_213393568Representing New York City clients after accidents

Accidents that cause injuries to passengers in vehicles are very common. If the passenger was injured and the injuries meet the serious injury threshold, that passenger may bring a lawsuit against those whose negligence caused the accident, including the driver of the vehicle occupied by the passenger. The standard of proof is the same whether the passenger was in a private vehicle or public transportation. However, because there are very different time limits to commence the lawsuit against private and public defendants, an injured passenger should consult with an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible following the accident. If the injury occurred on public transportation, it is crucial to determine the municipal entity or public authority responsible. If you or someone you know has been seriously injured while a passenger in a vehicle, contact the Law Offices of Jonathan D. Sands for a free consultation.

No-fault insurance and private vehicle accidents

If you are injured while a passenger in an accident involving a private vehicle, you are covered by that vehicle’s no-fault coverage. Your medical bills and a portion of your lost income will be paid by that insurance carrier. This is so even if you have your own insurance. You must complete an application for no-fault benefits within 30 days of the accident to receive these benefits. If you do not know the applicable insurance carrier, locate the three-digit code on the police accident report. You can find the corresponding name and contact information for that carrier on the DMV website.

NYC Public transportation and passenger injury

Unlike the situation in a private vehicle accident, a passenger on a public bus should apply for no-fault benefits from that person’s own automobile insurance carrier. If the injured passenger does not have a policy that will provide coverage, he can then apply for no-fault benefits from the insurance carrier for the bus. Again, the application for these benefits must be made within 30 days of the date of the accident.

Contact an effective law firm with personal injury experience

The Law Offices of Jonathan D. Sands understands that injuries sustained in an accident can profoundly change one’s life. An experienced personal injury attorney will evaluate how the accident occurred and also the nature and extent of the injuries. If you have been injured in a motor vehicle accident and if you believe that you have sustained serious physical injury, contact our office for a consultation. There is no cost obligation.