FAQs

Can a Passenger Get Compensation After a Car Accident?

Whether in a rideshare vehicle, going on a family trip, or out with friends, all too often, vehicle passengers involved in accidents suffer injuries and damages. After a traumatic event like a car accident, passengers may feel overwhelmed and unsure of whether they have the right to pursue compensation for their damages.

Can I File a Claim Even if I Wasn't the Driver?

Yes, any motor vehicle accident victim may file a claim. If you've been injured in an accident, you may be entitled to significant compensation. The team at Adamson Ahdoot can help you establish liability, gather evidence, and build a compelling case.

If you have questions about how to proceed, our team is available 24/7 to guide you. Plus, we offer free, no commitment consultations. Call us today at (866) 719-4271 or submit your information online and we will reach out.

Who Can File a Claim?

If you were a passenger in a car accident, this likely means you weren't responsible for the incident. Even so, figuring out next steps can be challenging. The good news is that passengers usually have the right to seek compensation. However, figuring out who the responsible parties are and how to proceed with a claim isn't always straightforward.

What four legal principles must be established to build a legal case?

To file a claim, as well as identifying the negligent party, 4 legal principles common to most personal injury cases must be established:

• Duty of Care: The responsible party had a legal obligation to act in a way that didn't put others at risk. For example, drivers have a duty to follow traffic laws and operate safely.

• Breach of Duty: The responsible party failed to meet their duty of care. This might include distracted driving, speeding, or poor vehicle maintenance.

• Causation: The breach of duty directly caused the accident and resulting injuries.

• Damages: The accident led to measurable losses, such as medical bills, lost wages, or emotional trauma.

What types of claims are available to passengers?

As a passenger, even though you may not have played a role in the accident, you have legal options. In fact, the lack of legal responsibility may open up several paths for compensation.

Against whom can a claim be filed?

This can be the driver of the vehicle you were traveling in, or the driver of another vehicle. When negligence is at play, like in cases involving texting while driving, running a red light, or speeding, you may be entitled to compensation. To pursue this, you'll need to file a claim with their auto insurance.

What damages may I be able to recover?

The damages you may be able to recover include:

• Medical expenses (past and future)

• Lost income if your injuries kept you from working

• Pain and suffering

• Ongoing care or rehabilitation costs

Can a claim be filed through the driver's insurance?

If you're injured while riding as a passenger, you may also have a right to compensation through the liability coverage of the driver you were riding with — even if they weren't fully at fault.

Most insurance policies include coverage for passenger injuries. Depending on the limits of the policy, you may be able to collect a portion — or all — of your damages through this route.