Can Car Passengers Sue Drivers After an Injury Crash?

 Posted on May 08, 2025 in Car Accident

Many news stories about car accidents mention injured drivers. However, passengers can also be hurt or killed in collisions. A May 4th, 2025, accident in San Jose is a prime example. A car drifted off the side of Highway 85, went up an embankment, and turned over. The passenger was ejected during the rollover and died from his injuries. He was not wearing a seatbelt. The driver sustained minor injuries and was later charged with suspected DUI.

If you were injured in a crash as a passenger, the skilled legal assistance of our Santa Clara County personal injury attorney is invaluable. We will investigate your collision, determine all at-fault parties, and help you pursue the maximum compensation you deserve.

Who Is Responsible for Passenger Injuries?

Passengers typically do not bear any fault for causing car accidents. However, the driver of the car a passenger is riding in, other motorists, and even pedestrians can share fault. Fault in personal injury cases like these refers to responsibility for contributing to the accident. Liability for paying your damages is based on fault. Common car accident causes include distracted or drunk driving, speeding, tailgating, and running stoplights.

We need to investigate your collision to determine why it happened. The results should point us toward one or more at-fault parties. With that information, we can file appropriate personal injury claims on your behalf.

Suppose the driver you were riding with is assigned 40 percent of the fault for causing your crash, with another driver bearing 60 percent of the blame. Each driver would be responsible for paying that percentage of your damages. Having multiple claims can be tricky, but we know how to handle them simultaneously.

What Damages Could I Receive After a Car Crash?

Your accident is unique, and the amount of money you could receive depends on those unique factors. We will examine and calculate all available damages, including pain and suffering, current and future medical care costs, current and future lost wages, and lost enjoyment of life.

Knowing how much you should be paid does not mean that obtaining that much will be easy. Insurance companies routinely use several tactics to keep from paying fair amounts on claims. Your attorney’s advocacy can mean the difference between collecting a minimal amount and as much as you deserve.

How Can an Attorney Help Me Get a Higher Settlement for a Car Accident Claim?

We will do several things that increase the likelihood of you receiving maximum compensation, such as:

• Gathering evidence that supports your claim
• Handling communications with insurers who might try to trick you into making damaging statements
• Calculating your damages accurately, including future losses
• Negotiating with insurers to reach favorable settlement amounts
• Filing a civil lawsuit and taking your case to trial if necessary

You deserve the highest available amount of compensation, and we aim to see you get it.

Speak to Our Experienced Palo Alto, CA Car Accident Lawyer

For truly exceptional legal assistance after a car accident, call Fuller Law Firm at 408-234-7563 or contact us online today. Our dedicated Gilroy, CA personal injury attorney will be happy to speak with you during a no-cost case evaluation.