Passenger Injury Attorneys You Can Trust

Our Experienced Personal Injury Attorneys Working For You

If you were injured as a passenger in a car accident, the next step you should take can be confusing, especially if it was the result of a friend or family member who was driving. As medical concerns and bills start to take priority, the stress of handling legal matters is the last thing you want to deal with. At the Law Offices of Michael B. Brehne, P.A., our personal injury attorneys work with clients who were injured in a car accident to make sure that they receive fair compensation for their injuries, medical bills, and lost wages. Get the legal counsel and representation you deserve — contact our office to schedule a free consultation.

Who’s Liable In A Car Accident When A Passenger Is Injured?

While it is primarily a driver’s responsibility to ensure the safety of their passengers, there are many factors at play when determining who is liable for the injuries incurred. If there was more than one vehicle involved in the auto accident, it will need to be determined who was at fault and to what degree. A negligent driver, either of the vehicle that you were occupying or in another vehicle involved in the accident, is often the cause of most car accidents. Common types of negligent driving include the following.

  • Distracted driving (texting, grooming or applying make-up, eating, etc.)
  • Driving under the influence
  • Fatigued driving
  • Aggressive driving
  • Speeding
  • Reckless driving
  • Running a red light or stop sign
  • Road rage
  • Breaking other road safety rules

However, a passenger shares a certain amount of responsibility for their own safety as well. A passenger might be partially responsible for injuries in some cases such as:

  • Refusing to wear a seatbelt
  • Riding with a driver who the passenger knew to be impaired
  • Giving false traffic safety information to the driver
  • Intentionally distracting the driver

Determining each parties’ degree of liability will determine the amount of compensation that an injured passenger is eligible to receive.

What Compensation Can I Receive For My Injuries?

In Florida, drivers and vehicle owners are legally required to have personal injury protection (PIP) insurance. The minimum amount of coverage required is $10,000, though vehicle owners and drivers may opt for more.

An injured passenger may receive compensation for medical expenses through the following.

  • His or her own PIP coverage, if applicable
  • Under the policy of the owner of the vehicle the passenger was injured in
  • The at-fault driver
  • A policy of a family member residing in the passenger’s home

If the extent of the injuries is not completely covered by the insurance, the passenger may have the option of filing a lawsuit. In order to pursue this path, the passenger must prove the driver’s negligence and the injuries must be significant enough to warrant further damages. Consulting with an experienced car accident attorney can help you decide whether or not you have a case.

At the Law Offices of Michael B. Brehne, P.A., we offer a unique approach when it comes to investigating and presenting cases, work with clients to understand their needs and expectations, and brainstorm ways to present cases in the best possible light that goes above and beyond our clients’ expectations. When you need someone on your side to navigate the legal system, let us help you every step of the way.