Can Passengers File a Claim in a Texas Car Accident?

When most people think about car accident claims, they picture drivers fighting over who was at fault. However, passengers are often injured as well, and they may face expensive medical bills, time away from work, and long recovery periods. If you were riding as a passenger in a vehicle crash, you may be wondering whether you can file a claim in Texas. The short answer is yes, passengers do have rights, but the details of how and against whom a claim can be filed depend on the circumstances of the accident.

What Rights Do Passengers Have After a Car Accident in Texas?

Passengers in Texas have the same right to seek compensation for their injuries as drivers do. If you were injured in a car accident in Fort Worth, you are not automatically at fault simply because you were a passenger. This gives you the ability to pursue a claim against the responsible party or parties, depending on how the crash occurred.

Texas follows a system known as modified comparative negligence. This means that the person who caused the accident is typically responsible for paying damages. As a passenger, you may have the right to file a claim against the driver of the other vehicle, the driver of the vehicle you were in, or even both drivers if they share fault. An experienced car accident attorney can evaluate the accident and help determine which claims are available to you.

Passengers also have the right to recover damages for a wide range of losses. This can include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and in some cases, long-term rehabilitation costs. Since passengers usually play no role in causing the crash, they are often in a strong position to pursue compensation.

Who Can Passengers File a Claim Against?

One of the most common questions passengers ask is whether they can file a claim against the driver of the car they were riding in. The answer is yes, depending on the situation. If your driver caused the crash through negligence, you may have a valid claim against them. For example, if they were distracted by their phone, speeding through Fort Worth traffic, or driving under the influence, their insurance company may be responsible for your damages.

You may also have a claim against the driver of the other vehicle involved in the crash. If another driver caused the accident, you can file a claim with their insurance company to recover compensation for your injuries. In many cases, fault is shared between both drivers, which means you may be able to file claims against multiple insurance policies.

There are also situations where liability may extend beyond the drivers. For example, if a defective car part contributed to the crash, the manufacturer could be held responsible. Similarly, if unsafe road conditions or poor maintenance by a city or county played a role, a government entity may share liability. These cases are complex, which is why many injured passengers turn to experienced attorneys in Fort Worth for guidance.

What Types of Compensation Can Passengers Receive?

Compensation for passengers in car accidents is similar to what drivers may receive. If you were injured in Fort Worth, your claim may include:

• Medical expenses: This includes emergency treatment, hospital stays, physical therapy, and ongoing care.
• Lost wages: If your injuries prevent you from working, you can claim the income you lost and, in some cases, future lost earning capacity.
• Pain and suffering: Texas law allows passengers to pursue damages for physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident.
• Property damage: If your personal belongings were destroyed in the crash, you may recover the value of those items.

Calculating damages is not always straightforward. Insurance companies may try to minimize payouts, arguing that certain medical treatments are not necessary or that lost income is exaggerated. Having legal representation from Barrow Law PLLC in Fort Worth can make a significant difference in ensuring you receive the full compensation you deserve.

How Can a Car Accident Attorney Help Passengers?

Passengers often assume that filing a claim will be simple since they are rarely at fault. Unfortunately, that is not always the case. Insurance companies may delay responses, deny responsibility, or offer settlements that do not cover the full extent of your losses. An experienced attorney can step in to level the playing field.

A Fort Worth car accident attorney can help by investigating the crash, gathering police reports, interviewing witnesses, and reviewing medical records. They can also identify all possible sources of compensation, including multiple insurance policies. In cases where more than one driver is at fault, this can significantly increase the total recovery available to the injured passenger.

Attorneys also handle the negotiations with insurance companies, sparing you from stressful conversations and ensuring that your claim is not undervalued. If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, your attorney can file a lawsuit on your behalf and present your case in court. This level of advocacy is often what ensures passengers receive the compensation they truly need to move forward.

What Should You Do If You Were Injured as a Passenger?

If you were injured as a passenger in a Fort Worth car accident, your first priority should be your health. Seek immediate medical treatment and follow all instructions from your doctors. Your medical records will not only help you recover physically but will also serve as essential evidence in your claim.

Next, make sure to gather as much information as possible. Obtain the names and contact details of all drivers involved, insurance policy numbers, and witness statements if available. Taking photos of the scene, vehicles, and your injuries can also strengthen your case.

Finally, consider contacting Barrow Law as soon as possible. The sooner you involve an attorney, the sooner you can begin building a strong case for compensation. With local experience in Fort Worth courts and a focus on personal injury law, our firm is well-positioned to help passengers protect their rights and secure the financial recovery they need.

If you were injured as a passenger in a Texas car accident, you do not need to handle the legal process alone. To learn more about your options and to discuss your case directly with an attorney, contact us today. At Barrow Law, we are ready to fight for your rights and help you pursue the compensation you deserve.