According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, a person is injured every 16 minutes due to a motor vehicle accident in the United States. These injuries range greatly in terms of severity and recovery periods, depending upon a number of situational factors involved in the crash. While much attention is often placed upon the driver or drivers associated with the collision, the passengers involved in the crash are seldom discussed. Unfortunately, however, passenger injuries are incredibly common, especially when the collision is severe.
Unless the passenger in the vehicle made some kind of overt act that caused the driver to be distracted and thus crash, the passenger is considered to be free from any liability. The passenger is free from liability unless they contributed to the collision in some way, often misleading passengers of their rights. While passengers are not liable, they may be able to recover compensation for the damages and passenger injuries in which they have suffered.
Greg Coleman Law has years of experience in representing passengers in the court of law. Contrary to popular belief, passengers who have not contributed to the motor vehicle crash receive compensation from the at-fault party more often than not. If you or a loved one has suffered from any injury as a passenger in a vehicle involved in an accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your losses endured.
To learn more about your legal options, complete a Free Case Review today.
Common Passenger Injuries
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that there are approximately 2.24 million auto accident related injuries each and every year in the United States. Areas in Tennessee, such as Knoxville, which are highly populated and heavily trafficked, are prime location for potential crashes. All Tennessee motorists must exercise extreme caution while operating their vehicles on congested roads and highways. The driver of a vehicle has control of the car, allowing for them to react to possible changes in traffic and pending accidents. Unfortunately, the passenger lacks this control, and thus, this ability to react.
Some of the most common passenger injuries include but are not limited to:
Head Injuries
One of the most commonly sustained injuries of a car crash, head injuries can range from mild to severe. When a passenger is suffering from any kind of head injuries they must seek medical care immediately, as serious injuries such as concussions, skull fractures, and traumatic brain injury are commonly sustained by passengers.
Bone Fractures
Auto accidents are the leading cause of bone fractures in the United States. When the force of an accident impact is strong enough, the passenger is sometimes unable to sustain the impact which causes a breakage of bones.
Whiplash
Another common injury linked to motor vehicle collisions, whiplash occurs when an abrupt jerk of the head occurs (either backward or forward), creating an injury to the neck. Recovery time will range depending on the severity of the injury. Sadly, some whiplash injuries develop into chronic, lifelong pain.
Back Injuries
Strains, sprains, fractured vertebrae, and herniated disks are some of the most frequently seen back injuries. Passengers are typically told to rest, ice, and take medication to fix the damage. In the most severe cases a surgery may be required.
Brain Injuries
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) can cause either temporary or permanent weakening to the brains ability to function. When a blow to the head occurs, passengers may sustain a brain injury and must seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Spinal Cord Damage
When a sudden blow dislocates or fractures the vertebrae, the spinal cord is often damaged when pieces of the vertebrae press down on nerves or pierce the spinal cord. Spinal cord injuries are either complete or incomplete. In complete spinal cord damage, the passenger has lost all feeling and ability to control movement. An incomplete injury involves passengers who are able to make slight movements and have some feeling.
Wrongful Death
Unfortunately, thousands of occupant passengers in Tennessee do not survive motor vehicle collisions. When this terrible event occurs, family members are often entitled to compensation to help pay for funeral expenses, medical bills, and any other losses linked to the crash.
Contact a Tennessee Attorney Today
Greg Coleman Law takes our role as Knoxville personal injury lawyers in the Tennessee community very seriously. We believe that it is our duty to not only protect the rights of accident victims, but to place them in a position where they can recover without worrying about the stresses associated with motor vehicle collisions. As a result, our auto accident lawyers take the time to get to know you and your case. This way, we are able to focus on every aspect of the litigation process while you and your loved ones concentrate on recovery.
If you or a loved one has suffered passenger injuries following a Knoxville auto accident, complete a Free Case Review today to learn more.
