Passenger Injuries 

No one plans to be involved in an accident, suffer an injury, and have their lives turned upside down in an instant. Unfortunately, car accidents happen every day, and you never know when it may be you wondering what to do or who can help.

After a West Palm Beach car accident, the things you do (or don’t do) can significantly impact the legal action you eventually take. As a passenger, you have rights. One right is to receive compensation for your injuries.

Because filing a car accident claim and recovering compensation can be confusing, we are here to help. At Sternberg | Forsythe, P.A., our passenger injury lawyers understand the law, your rights, and how to help you recover the compensation you deserve.

The first step is to call our office to schedule a risk-free consultation.

Steps Passengers Need to Take After a Car Accident

As a passenger, you may not think you have much to do after an accident. However, taking the right steps is essential to protect yourself and your rights.

Seek Medical Attention Immediately

Your health is the priority after an accident. Even if you feel okay, some injuries might not immediately show symptoms. Getting checked by a medical professional can spot these hidden injuries early. This step is also important to support your injury claim later on.

Report the Accident

It’s important to report the accident to the police. A police report can be a key piece of evidence for your case. This report documents the facts about the accident, which helps us build a strong case for you as your passenger injury lawyer in West Palm Beach.

Collect Information

Collect names, contact information, and insurance details from all drivers involved if you can. Also, note the license plate numbers and car types. Photos of the accident scene, your injuries, and the vehicles can help, too. This information is helpful when we start working on your case.

Avoid Discussing Fault

Talking about the accident with others is natural, but discussing who is at fault can complicate things. Statements made at the accident scene can be used against you later. We advise you to avoid admitting fault or making any statements that could affect your case.

Contact Us Early

It is important to contact us as soon as possible after the accident. The sooner we learn about your case, the better we can advise and help you.

As your West Palm Beach passenger injury attorney, we’re here to guide you through the legal process. Early action often leads to better outcomes in injury claims. The sooner you call, the sooner we can put our decades of experience aggressively defending accident victims to work for you.

Common Injuries Suffered by Passengers in Car Accidents

Car accidents can result in all types of passenger injuries, ranging from mild to severe. The type of injury often depends on the nature of the accident, the speed at impact, and whether safety measures like seatbelts were used.

While there is no limit to the type or severity of injuries a passenger may sustain in an accident, some of the most common seen in West Palm Beach car accidents include:

Whiplash and Soft Tissue Injuries

One of the most common injuries passengers face is whiplash, a type of neck strain resulting from the rapid back-and-forth motion experienced during a collision. Similarly, other soft tissue injuries can occur throughout the body, affecting muscles, ligaments, and tendons.

Fractures and Broken Bones

The force of a car accident can easily cause fractures or broken bones. These injuries might be immediate or only become apparent sometime after the accident. Common areas for fractures include the arms, legs, and ribs.

Head Injuries and Concussions

Head injuries, including concussions, are prevalent in car accidents. They can range from mild concussions to severe traumatic brain injuries (TBI), which can have long-lasting effects on a person’s health and cognitive functions.

Internal Injuries

Internal injuries are especially dangerous because they may not be immediately obvious to accident victims. They can involve organs such as the lungs, liver, kidneys, or spleen and often require urgent medical attention.

Understanding the potential injuries one can suffer as a passenger in a car accident is crucial for recognizing the importance of immediate and thorough medical evaluation. At Sternberg | Forsythe, P.A., we recommend immediate treatment to our clients. We can also provide assistance finding doctors or specialists if needed.

Determining Liability for Passenger Injuries in Vehicle Accidents

Determining who is liable for your injuries can be challenging. In some accident cases, accountability rests on multiple people.

We have handled complex cases like this, and you can be confident we can determine the party or parties liable for your accident. Some of the liable parties may include:

The Driver of Your Vehicle

In many cases, the driver of the vehicle you were riding in will be liable for your injuries. This is the case if they were negligent in some way, such as distractions or speeding.

The Other Motorist(s)

Additionally, other drivers involved in the accident are potential sources of liability. Their actions on the road, whether through negligence or reckless behavior, can significantly impact the outcome of a passenger’s injury claim.

Vehicle Manufacturer and Maintenance Provider Fault

In some scenarios, a vehicle’s mechanical failure might cause an accident, implicating the manufacturer or a maintenance service provider. Defective parts are often to blame. If this is the case, our team will look into the part’s history to determine if other issues have been reported. We will also use our available resources to ensure clear liability, which can help you receive the compensation you deserve.

The Complexity of Shared Liability

Situations where multiple factors contribute to an accident can result in shared liability among several parties. When several parties share liability for an accident and your injuries, we will work to ensure that each is held responsible to provide you with the full compensation you deserve.

Our West Palm Beach Passenger Injury Attorneys Will Fight for Your Compensation

At Sternberg | Forsythe, P.A., our attorneys aggressively represent accident victims. With decades of experience in Florida, our team will handle your case effectively.

With our help, you can demand the compensation you deserve and receive full compensation for your losses. Contact us today to take the first step to justice.