Our passenger injuries attorney knows how stressful it is to be injured as a passenger – you had no control over the situation, but now you’re left with the pain, bills, and emotional distress. Our California team takes these cases seriously. We’re local, we know how the system works here, and we don’t back down when it comes to fighting for fair compensation.
Whether the driver at fault was someone you know or a stranger, our passenger injury attorney will handle everything with genuine care and professionalism. We treat every client like family – and we don’t get paid unless we win your case. Let us take the pressure off so you can recover.
In California, passengers have the right to seek compensation after a car accident – even if they were riding with the at-fault driver. While passengers are expected to take basic steps to protect themselves, like buckling their seat belt or avoiding clearly dangerous rides (such as with an intoxicated driver), the law does not place the same level of responsibility on them as it does on drivers.
Under California Civil Jury Instruction 711, the law explains:
“A passenger is not required to be aware of the conditions on the highway and is entitled to expect that a driver will use reasonable care. However, if a passenger becomes aware of [a danger on the highway] [the driver’s impairment or failure to use reasonable care], then the passenger must take reasonable steps to protect his or her safety.”
This means passengers aren’t expected to be constantly watching for danger. They’re allowed to assume the driver will follow traffic laws and drive safely – unless they become aware of a specific danger. Only then does the law expect them to act to protect themselves.
One of the most common passenger injuries, whiplash happens when the head is jerked forward and back suddenly. It can cause neck stiffness, headaches, and long-term pain. A neck injury lawyer is a good choice for such injuries.
The impact of a collision can damage the spine, leading to herniated discs, nerve issues. In severe cases, it can even cause partial or full paralysis. A back injury attorney may help.
In a passenger injury case, multiple parties may be held responsible depending on the circumstances. The driver of the vehicle the passenger was riding in typically has a duty of care and could share fault for the crash. If another vehicle caused or contributed to the collision, that driver may also be liable.
Passengers can file injury claims against one or both drivers. Even if the passenger knows the driver personally, most compensation comes from insurance – not out of the driver’s pocket. It’s all about proving negligence, regardless of who the at-fault driver may be.
Before speaking to insurance companies, call a California personal injury lawyer who handles passenger accident cases. They can explain your rights, file the claim for you, and fight to get you the best result possible.
At The Law Office of Brent D. Rawlings, our passenger accident attorney treats every client like family – because that’s how seriously we take your case. As a local California law firm, we understand the unique challenges passengers face after an accident. Whether you were injured in a rideshare, rear-end crash, or hit by a drunk driver, we’re here to help you hold the right people accountable.
Our passenger injury lawyer knows how to handle legal fights, even in complex cases with multiple drivers or a hit and run. We’re not afraid to push back against insurance companies or take your case to court if needed. From the moment you call us, we’ll handle everything so you can focus on healing.
Talk to a rear end accident lawyer or drunk driving accident lawyer on our team today. Need a hit and run lawyer? We’re ready to fight for you. Call now for a free consultation. No upfront fees, no payment unless we win.
If you’re thinking about working with a lawyer, it’s important that you find the right one.
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