According to the California Office of Traffic Safety, there were 4,428 traffic fatalities in 2022, a strong reminder of how dangerous California roads can be. While not every crash is fatal, passengers often suffer serious injuries that come with overwhelming medical bills, time off work, and emotional stress.
If you were injured as a passenger in a Los Angeles car accident and don’t know who’s at fault or what your rights are, this guide will help you understand how to protect yourself.
Know Your Rights After a Car Accident as a Passenger
Just because you weren’t behind the wheel doesn’t mean you’re out of options. Many passengers are unaware of their strong legal rights following a crash.
If you have a car accident passenger injury in Los Angeles, California law protects your right to file a claim. Whether one or both drivers were at fault, you can pursue money to help cover your medical bills, lost wages, and more.
You may be able to file a claim:
- Against the driver’s insurance of the car you were in
- Against another driver involved in the accident
- Under your own insurance (like MedPay or uninsured motorist coverage)
Drivers Have a Legal Duty to Keep Passengers Safe
When you get in a car, you trust the driver to act responsibly. But if they don’t, they could be held legally responsible for your injuries.
Drivers in California are required to follow the rules of the road and protect their passengers. If you suffered a car accident passenger injury in Los Angeles because the driver was distracted, drunk, speeding, or breaking the law, you have every right to take legal action.
Even if the driver was someone you know, it’s their insurance, not them personally, that pays for your losses.
Determining Fault in a Passenger Injury Case
Car accidents can be complex, especially when more than one driver shares the blame. As a passenger, you aren’t expected to sort out who’s at fault, but knowing how responsibility is determined can help you feel more in control.
Fault is usually determined based on:
- Police reports
- Photos from the scene
- Witness statements
- Insurance investigations
If your car accident passenger injury involved multiple drivers, our Los Angeles car accident lawyer may file claims with more than one insurance company to get you full compensation.
You May Be Entitled to Compensation as an Injured Passenger
Medical bills add up quickly after a crash, and missing work can make an already stressful situation even more difficult. But if you were injured as a passenger, you may not have to face these costs alone. California law gives you the right to seek compensation when the accident wasn’t your fault.
If you were recently injured as a passenger in a Los Angeles car accident, you may be able to recover:
- Emergency room and hospital bills
- Follow-up visits and physical therapy
- Lost income from missed work
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
Even small injuries can lead to big bills or long-term pain. Talk to our car accident lawyer in Los Angeles as soon as possible to understand your options.
Keep in mind: You typically have two years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury claim in California. Waiting too long could cost you the compensation you deserve.
Ways to File a Claim as an Injured Passenger
You were injured, and now the bills are piling up. But being a passenger doesn’t take away your ability to seek justice.
If you’ve suffered a car accident passenger injury in Los Angeles, you have several ways to get compensated, and most don’t involve going to court or blaming someone close to you.
Here’s how most claims work for injured passengers in a car accident in Los Angeles:
- File a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance.
- If both drivers share the blame, file with both insurers.
- Use your own MedPay or uninsured motorist coverage if needed.
Can Passengers Be Held Responsible for a Crash?
In most cases, passengers are not blamed for a crash. But there are a few rare situations where your actions could affect your claim.
Here’s when a passenger might be considered partly responsible:
- You grabbed the steering wheel
- You distracted the driver
- You encouraged risky behavior, like speeding or racing
Even if you’re partially at fault, you can still recover compensation. Under California’s rules, your compensation amount may be reduced based on your role.
Common Injuries Passengers Suffer in Car Crashes
Not every injury shows up right away. In the hours after a car accident passenger injury in Los Angeles, adrenaline can hide symptoms like pain, dizziness, or stiffness. That’s why it’s important to seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Passengers often suffer:
- Neck and back injuries (like whiplash)
- Head injuries or concussions
- Broken bones
- Cuts and bruises
- Internal bleeding or organ damage
Documenting your injuries early helps protect both your health and your case.
What to Do After a Crash as a Passenger
If you’ve just been in a car crash, you might feel shaken or unsure of what to do. Taking the right steps now can help you protect your rights later.
Here’s what to do after a car accident passenger injury in Los Angeles:
- Call 911 and get medical help.
- Take photos of the scene and your injuries.
- Get contact and insurance info from all drivers.
- Don’t admit fault or sign anything.
- Call a car accident attorney right away.
Can You Still File a Claim If Both Drivers Caused the Crash?
Sometimes it’s not just one driver’s fault, it’s both. This is called shared liability, and it’s common in multi-car accidents.
As a passenger, this won’t stop you from getting compensation. Your car accident lawyer can file with both drivers’ insurance companies and figure out how to maximize your recovery.
If you suffered a car accident passenger injury in Los Angeles, let a car accident lawyer handle the details while you focus on healing.
Filing a Claim Against a Friend or Family Member’s Insurance
We understand that filing a claim when the driver is someone you care about can feel uncomfortable. Many passengers hesitate because they don’t want to “blame” a loved one or create tension. But here’s the truth: you’re not suing them personally, you’re using the insurance they’ve paid for to protect everyone in situations like this.
If you suffered a car accident passenger injury in Los Angeles while riding with a friend, family member, or even a co-worker, their insurance policy likely covers your medical expenses, lost wages, and other losses. That’s exactly what insurance is for.
There’s no need to feel guilty. Filing a claim is a smart and responsible step toward your recovery, not an attack on someone you care about.
Let Our Los Angeles Car Accident Attorney Help You
You shouldn’t have to navigate this on your own, especially when you’re injured and overwhelmed. At El Dabe Ritter Trial Lawyers, we’ve helped countless passengers recover the compensation they deserve after being hurt in a crash.
Whether you’re facing mounting medical bills or struggling with an uncooperative insurance company, we know how to step in and fight back.
Our legal team understands the challenges of a car accident passenger injury in Los Angeles, and we’re here to make the process easier for you from start to finish.
Here’s what you can expect when you work with us:
- Free, no-pressure consultations to answer your questions
- No upfront fees—we only get paid if we win your case
- Experienced Los Angeles car accident attorneys who treat your case like it matters
- We’ve recovered millions for injured passengers across California
We handle the insurance companies so you can focus on healing
Hurt as a Passenger in a Crash? We’re Here to Help!
Insurance companies have lawyers on their side. You should too. With over 50 years of combined experience, our Los Angeles car accident attorneys know how to stand up to insurers and fight for injured passengers.
If you were injured as a passenger in a Los Angeles car accident, we’re ready to pursue the full compensation you deserve. Your consultation is free, and you pay nothing unless we win.
Call us today for a free case review!
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog post is not intended as legal advice and should not be relied upon as such. You should consult with an experienced attorney for advice on your specific situation.