At Miracle Law APC, our California personal injury attorneys know that when negligence is a factor on our roadways, both motorists and their passengers can get hurt or killed in a crash.

Most injury victims can pursue the negligent party directly for their damages, but what happens when vehicle passengers are also hurt in a crash? Who can they pursue for their medical bills, lost wages, and additional expenses? We have answers.

Who Can Be Held Liable for Passenger Injuries in California?

Since vehicle passengers have no control over how the car, truck, or SUV they are traveling in is operated, they have no liability when a crash occurs. Passengers also have no control over how other motorists operate their vehicles, so when they are hurt in a crash caused by a third party, there may be multiple parties who can be held liable for their injuries.

That may include:

  • The driver of the vehicle the passenger was riding in.

In some cases, collisions may be caused by the driver who is transporting passengers. Whether drivers are impaired, speeding, distracted, or otherwise driving recklessly, it is possible to hold them accountable for your financial recovery as an injured passenger.

The only exception is if you share the same insurance policy with the at-fault driver, you may be ineligible to file a claim against your own insurance coverage. This rule is designed to avoid fraudulent insurance claims.

However, if the driver is a friend or family member with whom you do not share a vehicle insurance policy, our experienced California auto accident attorneys can help remove the potential discomfort associated with pursuing someone you know for your financial recovery needs by negotiating directly with their insurance provider.

  • Another driver or third party whose negligence caused the collision.

If you were injured as a passenger in a vehicle collision caused by another driver — meaning one who was not operating the vehicle you were in — our car accident lawyers will pursue the third party for your financial recovery just as we would if you were the driver, instead of the passenger, when the crash occurred.

  • Your personal vehicle’s uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.

If you have been injured in a vehicle collision where the at-fault driver’s insurance coverage policy limit does not cover your complete damages, you may be eligible to pursue your personal insurance policy if you carry uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.

At Miracle Law APC, we can help you understand your legal rights and options to pursue the best forms of insurance coverage to meet your injury needs.

Contact Our California Auto Accident Attorneys at Miracle Law APC Today

If you have been injured as a passenger in a vehicle collision caused by a negligent driver in California, contact our skilled personal injury attorneys at Miracle Law APC today by calling (888) 843-5290 to schedule a free consultation.

We will fight for the realistic financial recovery you are entitled to, so you can focus on your physical and emotional well-being.