Are Passengers Able to Sue for Damages After a Florida Car Crash?

Car accident data shows that passengers involved in a car accident frequently sustain more severe injuries than the driver of the vehicle. The most plausible explanation for this phenomenon is the driver instinctually turning their car away from danger, placing their passenger in the ideal spot for getting injured.

If you or a member of your family were injured as a passenger in a Tampa car accident, you might be curious about your legal options for collecting financial compensation for your injuries. 

What Rights Do I Have as a Passenger in Florida? 

Anytime a passenger is injured during a car crash, it isn’t important which driver was liable. Even if they were in the same vehicle as the at-fault driver, Florida does not place any of the responsibility for the accident on vehicle passengers. A passenger could only be held responsible for a car accident if she or he deliberately took control of the steering wheel.

Passengers are able to seek financial compensation for their injuries and other damages through the insurance carrier of the driver at fault. The company will, however, need to establish exactly who was liable for the accident before any compensation can be considered. 

Where Will My Compensation Come From?

After being injured in a car crash, passengers often have several different options for seeking financial compensation for their injuries. Some of the options include:

• The driver of the vehicle: If you were a passenger in the car that was liable for the accident, you are entitled to seek financial compensation against their Florida auto insurance policy. Although this can be awkward, especially if the driver is a member of your family or a good friend, keep in mind that auto insurance is intended to be used for this purpose. 
• The driver who is liable for the accident: If the driver of the other car was liable for your accident, then you are entitled to seek financial compensation against their insurance carrier since all residents are required to carry Personal Injury Protection insurance.

In certain circumstances, there might also be a third party from whom you can seek compensation. For example, a government entity could be liable for your accident if it was caused by a road hazard or a construction zone that had no signs posted warning drivers. 

Our Tampa personal injury attorneys are well-informed on all state laws and are able to determine which of these options is available to you for your crash-related injuries.

Being involved in an injury accident as a passenger will probably cause you to consider what legal rights you have and how you can obtain the financial compensation you deserve for hospital bills, missed income, and other financial damages.

At Fulgencio Law, we have obtained millions in financial compensation for victims across Florida. We firmly urge you to speak with one of our experienced attorneys about your Florida car accident claim to find out how we can help you.

Your initial consultation with our team is free and non-committal. Reach out to our Tampa personal injury attorneys at (813) 463-0123 to schedule an appointment. If you decide you would like for us to represent you, we have no upfront fees and you pay nothing for our legal services if we do not obtain compensation for your damages