Can My Passenger Sue Me For a Florida Car Crash?

Vehicle collision statistics show that passengers involved in car crashes often endure more serious injuries than the vehicle’s driver. The most credible hypothesis for this is that the driver of the car or truck instinctively turns the vehicle away from impending danger and by doing so, inadvertently puts their passenger in the line of fire.

If you or a family member received injuries in a Tampa car accident where they were a passenger, you may be wondering what legal options for obtaining financial compensation are available to you.

What Rights Do I Have as a Passenger in Florida? 

Whenever a passenger sustains injuries in a car accident, it does not matter which of the drivers is determined to be at fault. Even if the injured passenger was riding in the same car or truck as the responsible driver, the state of Florida doesn’t expect vehicle passengers to share in any liability for the crash. A passenger can only be deemed liable for a traffic accident if he or she intentionally and maliciously commandeered the steering wheel.

Passengers are entitled to solicit financial compensation for their injuries and various losses via the insurance company of the at-fault driver. The car insurance company is, however, obligated to determine precisely which driver is accountable for the collision prior to any financial compensation being granted.

Where Will My Compensation Come From?

After their involvement in an injury crash, passengers typically have multiple options for receiving financial compensation. A few of these options include but are not limited to:

• The driver of their vehicle: As a passenger in the vehicle that was responsible for the crash, you are allowed to solicit financial remuneration from the driver’s insurance carrier. Even though this might be somewhat uncomfortable, particularly if the driver is a good friend or a close member of your family, remember that car insurance is designed for situations exactly like this.
• The driver who is at-fault for the crash: If the driver of another vehicle was responsible for the crash, then you are permitted to file for financial compensation against their car insurance company.

In some situations, there may also be a third party available for you to file against in your quest for financial levity. For instance, a government entity might be answerable for your car crash if that crash was the result of a construction zone with no warning signs or a road hazard.

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