Is There Compensation for a Passenger in a Car Accident?

Passengers injured in a car accident have the same legal rights as the person driving the vehicle involved in the accident. Passengers are rarely at fault for causing the crash. This leaves them with more options for filing a car accident passenger claim and attaining compensation.

According to the Texas Department of Transportation, there were 15,764 serious injury motor vehicle crashes in the state in 2021, and more than 19,400 people suffered severe injuries.

Most of the individuals injured sought compensation through auto insurance claims.

If you were a passenger in a car accident then you have a very good chance of receiving a settlement.

Passenger Car Accident Settlement Calculator

You may be wondering how much compensation a car accident passenger can receive in a settlement. The average auto liability claim for property damage is $3,231.

Additionally, the average award for bodily injury is $15,443. But averages do not tell you much about what you might receive.

First, many settlements are not reported, so the average settlement numbers are skewed.

More importantly, there are many factors to consider. Some of these include the severity of injuries and the determination of liability.

Averages mean very little when it comes to assessing a particular situation. 

No matter how strong your case, if you’re a passenger in a car accident, settlement amounts depend on the following. The insurance company of the responsible party, whether you file a lawsuit, and the extent of your injuries.

Generally, passenger car accident compensation damages can include:

• Special (economic) damages—All of the economic damages and expenses suffered because of the accident, including vehicle repairs, medical bills, and lost wages.
• General (non-economic) damages—Compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment if a victim’s lifestyle changes after their accident.
• Punitive damages—Courts award punitive damages only in rare situations where the accident was caused by extremely reckless behavior, like drunk driving. These are extra damages designed to punish the defendant for having an acute disregard for human safety.

A passenger in a car accident without insurance who is injured may file a lawsuit to recoup damages.

Sometimes a car accident results in the loss of life. In such a case, the victim’s family may also be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit.

Can a Passenger Sue a Not-At-Fault Driver?

If the driver involved in the accident is not responsible for causing it, that person is not liable for your injuries.

However, you may still be able to collect compensation if you carry uninsured/underinsured coverage through your insurance.

The same is true for a passenger in hit-and-run accidents.

However, if you were injured as a passenger in a hit-and-run accident, and the driver of the vehicle you were in is not responsible for the accident, it is a good idea to talk to an experienced attorney to explore your options.

An Experienced Accident Passenger Claims Lawyer Can Help

At Armstrong Lee & Baker LLP, our experienced attorneys are serious about getting justice for our client’s injuries.

Our job is to bear the mental and financial burden of getting a client’s case before the jury so that justice can prevail.

That is why we offer free consultations and charge fees only if we win.

We invest the time and resources necessary, so the other side knows we insist on nothing less than full and fair compensation for your damages.

If you were a passenger in a vehicle accident, call us now at 832-402-6637.

Scott Armstrong

Scott Armstrong is the Managing Partner and co-founder of Armstrong Lee & Baker LLP. Known for his strategic insight and relentless pursuit of justice, Scott personally guides the firm’s approach to complex cases, including catastrophic injuries, vehicle accidents, workplace injuries, and product liability. His leadership has created a culture where excellence, innovation, and dedication to client success are paramount, and his influence is evident in every case the firm handles, often resulting in hundreds of millions recovered for clients.

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