Can a Passenger File a Personal Injury Claim After a Car Accident?~4 min read

• A passenger injured in a Texas car accident may have the right to pursue compensation if another person’s negligence caused the crash.
• Your claim could be against the driver of the vehicle you were riding in, another driver, or more than one driver.
• Compensation could include medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and other accident-related losses.
• As an injured passenger, you should document your injuries, preserve evidence, and understand which insurance policies apply to your claim.

Passengers Have Personal Injury Rights in Texas

If you were riding as a passenger when a car accident occurred, you might assume the drivers and their insurance companies will sort everything out. Your injuries, however, may give you the right to pursue compensation from the person or persons responsible for the collision.

Passengers are in a different position from drivers because they usually did not contribute to causing the wreck. However, determining who is responsible will still be an important part of pursuing your claim.

Who Is Responsible for Your Injuries?

The driver of the vehicle you were riding in could be responsible if that driver caused or contributed to causing the accident. For example, your driver could have been speeding, driving while distracted, following another vehicle too closely, or failing to obey a traffic signal. Another motorist could also be responsible if their actions caused or contributed to the collision. In accidents where multiple drivers share responsibility, you could have claims involving more than one insurance company.

What Compensation Will You Be Able to Pursue?

A serious car accident could leave you with expenses that continue long after you leave the scene. Your personal injury claim will seek compensation for losses connected to your injuries and their effect on your daily life.

Depending on the circumstances, compensation could include:

• Emergency room and hospital expenses
• Doctor visits and medical treatment
• Rehabilitation and future medical care
• Lost wages and reduced earning ability
• Physical pain and suffering
• Physical impairment
• Disfigurement

The value of your claim will depend on your injuries, medical treatment, financial losses, and other facts surrounding the accident.

What If the Driver Is a Friend or Family Member?

You might feel uncomfortable filing a claim if the responsible driver is someone you know. In most situations, the claim is pursued through the driver’s automobile insurance coverage rather than seeking payment directly from your friend or relative. You should not ignore your injuries because of your relationship with the driver. Medical bills, missed work, and continuing treatment could place a substantial financial burden on you.

What Should You Do After the Accident?

Seek medical attention promptly and follow the treatment recommended by your medical providers. Keep copies of medical records, bills, photographs, accident information, and documentation showing income you lost because of your injuries.

You should also be cautious when speaking with insurance adjusters or accepting an early settlement. Once you settle your claim, you typically will not be able to seek additional compensation if your injuries turn out to be more serious than you initially believed.

Contact Springer Lyle Dameron & Harrison

If you were injured while riding as a passenger, understanding who caused the accident and which insurance coverage applies will be important to your personal injury claim. Springer Lyle Dameron & Harrison will review the circumstances of your accident, evaluate your losses, and explain your legal options. Call Frank Lyle at 940-387-0404 or contact us online to schedule your free consultation.

Springer Lyle Dameron & Harrison is located at 1807 Westminster St, Denton, TX 76205.

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