Insight

What Happens to a Passenger Injured in a Car Accident

In this situation, you may seek compensation from one or more drivers involved in causing the collision.

Charles V. Vaughan, Jr.

Charles V. Vaughan, Jr.

January 6, 2024 11:46 AM

An Indiana car accident lawyer from Vaughan & Vaughan can review your situation and help you learn more about your legal options in this situation. You can contact us for advice and guidance when you call or fill out our online contact form.

What Can You Expect As A Passenger In A Car Accident?

Many passengers never consider the risk of an accident when traveling with a driver. In the event of an accident, you can expect to wait with the vehicle for police officers to arrive, assess the scene, and file an accident report.

You may require medical care for any injuries you sustained in the car accident. We recommend seeking treatment quickly to show that the collision caused your injuries and give yourself the best chance to recover.

You can also expect insurance agents for one – or more – of the drivers involved in the accident to reach out to you. Generally, we recommend speaking with a personal injury lawyer before talking to insurance representatives, as they can try to minimize your compensation.

Can You Get Compensation As A Passenger In A Car Wreck?

Passengers injured in car accidents may secure funds to cover their losses. Depending on your situation, you may receive damages to address your:

Medical Expenses In Indiana

Passengers in the front or back seat can sustain serious injuries, including concussions, broken bones, whiplash, and paralysis.

An Indiana passenger accident lawyer may help you secure damages for all reasonable and necessary medical costs directly related to treating and rehabilitating your accident injuries, including:

  • Hospital bills
  • Doctor visits
  • Prescriptions
  • Physical therapy

Documentation like receipts and medical records is key to ensuring you secure fair compensation for these losses.

Lost Wages Due To Your Injuries

If the accident caused you to miss time from work, you may be entitled to wages for that time period, supported by documentation from your employer. These losses can include lost income during initial recovery and long-term workplace limitations due to injuries.

Pain And Suffering In Indiana

Courts may award you monetary compensation for physical and mental pain, inconvenience, suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life caused by your injuries. Your lawyer can focus on your emotional anguish and other results of an accident.

How Do You Get Compensation As A Car Accident Passenger?

The key to obtaining appropriate compensation is filing an insurance claim after a collision. However, many passengers feel unsure about where to file such a claim. A car accident lawyer can help you identify the at-fault party so you can proceed with your claim.

Depending on your situation, you may file a claim with the insurance company representing the driver of your vehicle. However, you may also seek compensation from another driver if they caused the collision.

Car accident lawyers often negotiate settlements with insurance representatives after a collision, allowing you to secure funds for your losses.

Can You File A Lawsuit As A Passenger In A Car Accident?

Sometimes, insurance companies deny car accident claims or try to downplay the severity of your losses. They may refuse to offer you a fair settlement, even after a period of negotiations with your car accident attorney.

In this situation, your lawyer may file a car accident lawsuit on your behalf. However, generally, law firms resolve claims for clients with a settlement.

Are There Times You Can’t File A Car Accident Claim As A Passenger?

Indiana allows passengers to file claims for compensation in many situations. However, the Guest Statute may prevent you from filing a claim against your:

  • Spouse
  • Parent
  • Child
  • Sibling

Additionally, you may not have a chance to file a claim against a driver who picked you up while you were hitchhiking. However, the state may waive this statute if the accident occurred due to willful misconduct by a driver.

Furthermore, the state may disallow a claim based on contributory fault if a passenger caused an accident. Passengers may cause collisions if they:

  • Press on the accelerator or grab the wheel of a vehicle
  • Harm or physically obstruct the driver
  • Distract or cover the eyes of the driver
  • Allow a fatigued or impaired driver to operate a vehicle

You can work with a lawyer if the drivers involved in the collision attempt to blame you for the wreck and their losses.

How Long Do You Have For A Legal Claim As A Car Wreck Passenger?

You generally have a limited amount of time to file a personal injury claim after a car accident in Indiana. You must move forward with your legal case before the statute of limitations expires to avoid having the court dismiss your claim.

Your attorney can review your situation and provide you with specific information about your deadline.

What Do Lawyers Charge For Passengers In Car Accidents?

Generally, lawyers handle car accident claims on a contingency basis, even for passengers injured in these wrecks. Therefore, the law firm receives a percentage of your final financial award after resolving your claim through a settlement or court trial.

Speak To Our Team If You Got Hurt In A Wreck As A Passenger

What happens if you are a passenger who gets injured in a car accident in Indiana? In this situation, you may receive funds to cover your losses from one – or more – of the drivers involved in the collision.

Find out more by contacting our team at Vaughan & Vaughan. You can call or fill out our online contact form.

Trending Articles

2025 Best Lawyers Awards Announced: Honoring Outstanding Legal Professionals Across the U.S.


by Jennifer Verta

Introducing the 31st edition of The Best Lawyers in America and the fifth edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America.

Digital map of the United States illuminated by numerous bright lights

Unveiling the 2025 Best Lawyers Awards Canada: Celebrating Legal Excellence


by Jennifer Verta

Presenting the 19th edition of The Best Lawyers in Canada and the 4th edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in Canada.

Digital map of Canadathis on illuminated by numerous bright lights

Legal Distinction on Display: 15th Edition of The Best Lawyers in France™


by Best Lawyers

The industry’s best lawyers and firms working in France are revealed in the newly released, comprehensive the 15th Edition of The Best Lawyers in France™.

French flag in front of country's outline

Presenting the 2025 Best Lawyers Editions in Chile, Colombia, Peru and Puerto Rico


by Jennifer Verta

Celebrating top legal professionals in South America and the Caribbean.

Flags of Puerto Rico, Chile, Colombia, and Peru, representing countries featured in the Best Lawyers

Unveiling the 2025 Best Lawyers Editions in Brazil, Mexico, Portugal and South Africa


by Jennifer Verta

Best Lawyers celebrates the finest in law, reaffirming its commitment to the global legal community.

Flags of Brazil, Mexico, Portugal and South Africa, representing Best Lawyers countries

Announcing the 13th Edition of Best Lawyers Rankings in the United Kingdom


by Best Lawyers

Best Lawyers is proud to announce the newest edition of legal rankings in the United Kingdom, marking the 13th consecutive edition of awards in the country.

British flag in front of country's outline

Prop 36 California 2024: California’s Path to Stricter Sentencing and Criminal Justice Reform


by Jennifer Verta

Explore how Prop 36 could shape California's sentencing laws and justice reform.

Illustrated Hands Breaking Chains Against a Bright Red Background

Announcing the 16th Edition of the Best Lawyers in Germany Rankings


by Best Lawyers

Best Lawyers announces the 16th edition of The Best Lawyers in Germany™, featuring a unique set of rankings that highlights Germany's top legal talent.

German flag in front of country's outline

Celebrating Excellence in Law: 11th Edition of Best Lawyers in Italy™


by Best Lawyers

Best Lawyers announces the 11th edition of The Best Lawyers in Italy™, which features an elite list of awards showcasing Italy's current legal talent.

Italian flag in front of country's outline

Tampa Appeals Court ‘Sends Clear Message,” Ensuring School Tax Referendum Stays on Ballot


by Gregory Sirico

Hillsborough County's tax referendum is back on the 2024 ballot, promising $177 million for schools and empowering residents to decide the future of education.

Graduation cap in air surrounded by pencils and money

Find the Best Lawyers for Your Needs


by Jennifer Verta

Discover how Best Lawyers simplifies the attorney search process.

A focused woman with dark hair wearing a green top and beige blazer, working on a tablet in a dimly

Key Developments and Trends in U.S. Commercial Litigation


by Justin Smulison

Whether it's multibillion-dollar water cleanliness verdicts or college athletes vying for the right to compensation, the state of litigation remains strong.

Basketball sits in front of stacks of money

Woman on a Mission


by Rebecca Blackwell

Baker Botts partner and intellectual property chair Christa Brown-Sanford discusses how she juggles work, personal life, being a mentor and leadership duties.

Woman in green dress crossing her arms and posing for headshot

Best Lawyers Celebrates Women in the Law: Ninth Edition


by Alliccia Odeyemi

Released in both print and digital form, Best Lawyers Ninth Edition of Women in the Law features stories of inspiring leadership and timely legal issues.

Lawyer in green dress stands with hands on table and cityscape in background

The Human Cost


by Justin Smulison

2 new EU laws aim to reshape global business by enforcing ethical supply chains, focusing on human rights and sustainability

Worker wearing hat stands in field carrying equipemtn

Beyond the Billables


by Michele M. Jochner

In a recently conducted, comprehensive study, data reveals a plethora of hidden realities that parents working full-time in the legal industry face every day.

Women in business attire pushing stroller takes a phone call