When you’re a passenger involved in a vehicular accident, you might find yourself dealing with injuries through no fault of your own. It’s common to wonder whether you have the right to seek compensation for the harm suffered.
The short answer is yes, passengers have as much right to file a personal injury claim as drivers do. What should a passenger in a car accident know about submitting a personal injury claim? If you’ve been hurt in a car crash, see a doctor first. Then, contact The Ledger Law Firm to discuss your case.
Understanding the Rights of Passengers in Personal Injury Cases
Passengers involved in car accidents often overlook their right to compensation. They’re focused instead on the drivers’ responsibilities. However, the law provides passengers with the same opportunities to seek damages for their injuries, pain, and suffering. This includes medical expenses, lost wages, and compensation for emotional distress.
The key factor in whether a passenger in a car accident can file a claim is the impact of the accident on the passenger’s health. In most jurisdictions, passengers have a clear path to compensation because they are rarely considered at fault in collisions. This means that, regardless of whether the driver of the vehicle they were in or the driver of another vehicle is to blame, passengers can pursue claims for their injuries.
Passenger in a Car Accident? Key Legal and Medical Facts
If you’re a passenger in a car crash—or involved in a car accident as a passenger—your legal position is unique. You typically carry zero liability, making it easier to file a successful claim. Here are some crucial facts and insights:
Top Scenarios Where Passengers Can File Claims:
- The driver of your car was at fault
- Another vehicle caused the accident
- Multi-car pileups (joint liability)
- Rideshare collisions (Uber/Lyft liability coverage)
What to Do If You Are a Passenger in a Car Accident:
- Seek medical attention and create a health record.
- Gather evidence—photos, witness contact info, insurance cards.
- File a claim with the at-fault party’s insurer.
- Contact a lawyer to protect your rights and maximize your claim.
Scientific Insight: According to the NHTSA, over 1.1 million passengers are injured annually in the U.S. due to motor vehicle accidents. Whiplash and traumatic brain injuries are among the most reported.
Common Types of Injuries Suffered by Passengers
Passengers in a car accident can suffer a variety of injuries, including:
- Minor cuts and bruises may seem inconsequential, but they can be the first sign of more serious underlying injuries.
- Whiplash is a common injury in car accidents, often causing neck pain and stiffness.
- Broken bones are not only painful but can also significantly impact your daily life and work. Recovery times can be prolonged if surgery and physical therapy are required.
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) can result from a blow to the head during an accident, leading to long-term complications and issues with motor and sensory function.
- Spinal cord damage is one of the most severe outcomes of car accidents, potentially resulting in paralysis. Spinal injuries can change your life forever.
- Emotional trauma, including anxiety and depression, are common after an accident.
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can occur after experiencing a traumatic event like a car accident.
Not all of these injuries show up right away which is why you should always see a doctor after a car accident.
Data Table: Passenger Injury Outcomes vs. Claim Value Potential
| Injury Type | % of Passenger Claims | Avg. Claim Settlement | Common Complications |
| Whiplash & Soft Tissue Injuries | 37% | $3,000 – $25,000 | Neck pain, headaches |
| Fractures (Arms, Legs, Ribs) | 21% | $15,000 – $50,000 | Surgery, long recovery time |
| Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs) | 14% | $50,000 – $150,000+ | Memory loss, cognitive issues |
| PTSD & Emotional Trauma | 19% | $10,000 – $45,000 | Sleep disturbance, anxiety |
| Spinal Injuries | 9% | $100,000 – $1M+ | Paralysis, lifelong care |
Handling the Claims Process as a Passenger
After an accident, the first step for any passenger should be to seek medical attention, even if the injuries seem minor. This is not only important for your health but also creates a medical record that serves as evidence for your personal injury claim. It’s also beneficial to gather as much information as possible at the accident scene, including photos, contact information for witnesses, and the police report, if available. All of this information will be important for maximizing the value of your claim. That is where our law office can help you.
Legal Rights Checklist for Passengers
Being a passenger in an auto accident means you’re likely not at fault—but your claim must be strategic. Here’s a checklist:
- Document the accident in a car scene
- Report all injuries (even delayed symptoms)
- Ask: Can a passenger in a car accident sue? – Yes
- Learn how to claim as a passenger in a car accident
- Explore passenger in car accident rights with an attorney
Who We Help at Ledger Law
At Ledger Law, we advocate for:
- Injured passengers in car accidents across the U.S.
- Victims in multi-car collisions and rideshare accidents
- Injured passengers who were uninsured at the time
- Clients whose fellow workers got in an accident (company vehicle liability cases)
- Families who lost a person in a car accident cases
Contact Ledger Law If You Are a Passenger in a Car Accident
If you’ve been injured as a passenger in a car accident, you don’t have to navigate the legal process alone. The Ledger Law Firm is dedicated to helping individuals like you understand their rights and fight for the compensation they deserve.
Our team of experienced personal injury attorneys is well-versed in the complexities of car accident claims and is committed to advocating on your behalf. Contact The Ledger Law Firm today at (800) 300-0001 for a free consultation. Our expertise and compassionate approach mean you can trust us to handle your case with the care and diligence it deserves.
FAQ: Passenger in a Car Accident – Your Rights, Claims & Legal Options
Can I file a claim if I was a passenger in a car accident in Orange, CT?
Yes, if you were a passenger in a car accident in Orange, CT, you have the legal right to file a personal injury claim. Whether the at-fault driver was operating your vehicle or another, you can pursue compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and lost wages. The Ledger Law Firm can help guide you through your passenger in car accident claim.
What should I do if I’m a passenger in a car accident?
If you’re a passenger in a car crash, follow these steps:
- Get medical attention immediately.
- Document the scene.
- Collect contact and insurance details.
- Call a personal injury lawyer.
Even if you’re not at fault, being a passenger in a car accident means you still have legal rights and can recover damages.
Can a passenger in a motor vehicle accident sue both drivers?
Yes, in many cases, a passenger in a motor vehicle accident can file claims against both drivers if fault is shared. For example, if a driver and a passenger are in a car accident, and both vehicles contributed to the crash, you may have claims against multiple insurers.
How much can a passenger get in a car accident settlement?
The settlement amount varies. A passenger injured in a car accident may receive:
- $15,000 to $100,000+ for soft tissue injuries
- $100,000 to $1M+ for catastrophic injuries (e.g. brain trauma)
Factors include: - Medical bills
- Lost income
- Emotional distress
- Future care needs
A Ledger Law attorney can calculate a passenger in auto accident settlement estimate specific to your case.
Can a passenger be a witness in a car accident?
Yes. A passenger in a car accident can be a credible witness to the crash. Courts often rely on such testimony, especially when liability is disputed. So yes, a passenger in a car accident can be a witness and support the claim with firsthand insight.
What happens if a passenger dies in a car accident?
If a passenger in a car dies due to the accident, the victim’s family may file a wrongful death lawsuit. In states like California or Michigan, beneficiaries can seek compensation for:
- Funeral costs
- Loss of consortium
- Medical expenses before death
Let Ledger Law’s wrongful death attorneys advocate for justice.
Can I claim if I was a passenger in a car accident but don’t have insurance?
Yes. Even if you’re an uninsured passenger, you may still be entitled to file a claim. The fault lies with the driver(s), not the passenger. The driver’s or the third-party insurer would typically cover the injured passenger in a car accident.
What are my rights if I was injured in a car accident as a passenger?
If you were injured as a passenger in a car accident, you have the right to:
- File a personal injury claim
- Get reimbursed for medical care
- Recover lost wages
- Seek compensation for pain and suffering
Whether you were in Orange, CT or elsewhere, Ledger Law protects the rights of passengers in car accidents.
What happens if you’re a passenger in a car accident caused by a fellow worker?
If you’re a passenger in a car crash caused by a co-worker, you may be eligible for both workers’ compensation and a personal injury lawsuit, depending on the situation. Always consult legal professionals to understand dual-claim eligibility.
How do I file a claim if I was in an accident as a passenger in Michigan?
Michigan has no-fault laws, but a passenger in a car accident in Michigan can still claim Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits. If you meet the “serious injury” threshold, you may also sue for excess damages. Ledger Law’s Michigan attorneys can help navigate these complex rules.
What if I had a dream about being a passenger in a car accident — does it mean anything?
While a dream of being a passenger in a car accident has no legal implication, it can reflect anxiety or PTSD after experiencing or witnessing trauma. Emotional distress is a valid legal claim in real-life incidents. We support both the legal and emotional recovery process.
Emery Brett Ledger brings more than 27 years of experience to personal injury law. He founded & led The Ledger Law Firm in securing over $100 million in compensation for clients with life-altering injuries & complex claims. Licensed in California, Texas, & Washington, Emery earned his law degree from Pepperdine University School of Law. His practice areas include car & truck accidents, wrongful death, catastrophic injuries, maritime claims, & mass tort litigation. He has been recognized by The National Trial Lawyers’ Top 100, Mass Tort Trial Lawyers Top 25, and America’s Top 100 Personal Injury Attorneys. Emery also received the 2025 Elite Lawyer Award & holds a perfect 10.0 Avvo rating with Platinum Client Champion status. His legal work has been featured on CNN, Forbes, NBC, & ABC.
