Victims are aware that you can file a car accident claim when you get into an accident due to someone else’s fault. But, what happens if you get into an accident as a passenger next to a drunk driver? Driving under the influence of alcohol is considered a criminal offense. So, can you get compensation if you were a passenger sitting next to a drunk driver?

Well, it does not matter whether you were a passenger, pedestrian, or another person who got involved in a car accident due to a drunk driver. You can file a car accident claim to get financial freedom for your injuries. 

Who will pay for your injuries and damages from the accident?

If you are a passenger who was sitting next to a drunk driver, you are allowed to seek financial compensation. You can directly report the accident to the drunk driver’s insurance company. If they deny you providing compensation, you can file a lawsuit in court. 

However, you must prove the driver’s negligence to get a successful compensation. A few elements of negligence that you should prove includes: 

• You got injured due to the accident. 
• The drunk driver owes a duty of care. 
• Your injuries occurred due to a breach of care by the driver. 

Can you get compensation if the drunk driver was your family or friend?

When you are sitting next to your drunk family member or friend, you owe them a duty of care to stop them from drinking and driving. If you were aware that they are drunk and still choose to let them drive, you could not seek financial compensation in such cases. However, if you were unaware of them drinking and driving, you can file a claim against them. 

Although it can be difficult to file a claim against your family or friends, if they could have avoided the accident if they had been more careful, you deserve to get compensation for all the piled-up bills due to your injuries. So, it would be in your best interest to pursue a claim. 

Speak to a car accident attorney

Seeking compensation for your injuries and damages can be a difficult and time-consuming process, especially when the injuries and damages involved are severe. Therefore, it is in your best interest to allow an attorney to handle your claim to get you maximum compensation.