Devastating car accidents that cause serious injuries are events most people believe will never happen to them. Yet the most serious car accidents often happen when people least expect it; driving with friends in the car, for example, is a prime cause of distracted driving accidents because people are talking, handing each other things, and calling the driver’s attention away from the road.
Young men are particularly susceptible to car accidents involving friends in the car. Goofing around and trying to show off are classic young adult behaviors, and while they are typically harmless, they can have serious consequences when they happen in a car. If you were injured when your friend crashed the car he was driving, you may be wondering if you can take action.
Insurance Companies and Car Accidents
After a crash involving close friends, you may be tempted to discuss the crash with your friend who was driving. However, their car insurance policy is likely to be a significant source of compensation for your injuries, and comments you make to your friend can make their way back to the insurance company.
Avoid discussing the accident or your injuries with anyone else involved in the accident. If the insurance company calls you, you can provide basic details about the crash (when and where it happened) but do not speculate about what caused the crash or how seriously you are injured. Insurance companies are for-profit companies trying to minimize their payouts whenever possible and will use any information you give them to their advantage.
Do I Need a Lawyer to Sue My Friend?
Beyond what your friend’s insurance company offers, you may want to pursue a personal injury case that directly holds your friend responsible for their negligent behavior. It is important to have an attorney to represent you in any car crash in which you are injured, but this is especially true when a good friend is involved. Many companies do not cover harm caused by intentional acts of the insured party. Let your attorney handle the legal aspects of the case and take the pressure off you.
Schedule a Free Consultation with a Will County Personal Injury Lawyer
The reckless actions of even a good friend can have a lifetime impact on someone injured in a car accident. If you were hurt because your friend crashed the car you were in, schedule a complimentary case review with the Plainfield, IL car crash injury lawyer with Michael J. Lichner – Will County Personal Injury Lawyer. We will examine your case, help you gather evidence, and pursue the compensation to which you are entitled. Call 815-730-1977 now.
Source:
https://www.iihs.org/topics/fatality-statistics/detail/teenagers