Can you also be to blame yourself?
As a passenger you are never to blame for an accident. However, it is possible to ascribe a certain degree of own blame. Not for causing the accident as such, but for the seriousness of the injuries you sustain. If, for instance:
- You were not wearing a seatbelt.
- You were not wearing a helmet on the back of a scooter or motorbike.
- You got into a car knowing that the driver was under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
In these situations, you intentionally and consciously jeopardised your own safety. However, this does not mean that you are not eligible for compensation. Usually more than 50% of your personal injury claim will still be paid in such cases.
Were you in a car accident while the driver of the car was under the influence? First, the cause of the accident must be considered. Two situations may have occurred:
- The accident was caused because the driver was under the influence. In that case, it is the driver’s own fault. If you knew that the driver was under the influence, you will only receive a partial payment of your personal injury claim.
- The accident was not caused by the fact that the driver was under the influence. In that case there is no relationship between the injury and your own fault. Your personal injury claim will be fully paid.
If your claim has been denied on one of these grounds, you should always ask for second opinion. Our lawyers will then be able to resubmit your claim.
Personal injury caused by hard braking by a bus, tram or train
You can also get injured if you travel by public transport. Busses, trams, and trains are often forced to make a hard brake. This may cause you to sustain a heavy fall. In that case you are nearly always eligible for full compensation by the transport company concerned. Even if it is not to blame for the accident. This is because the event is certainly not your fault.