Car accident passenger claims
Injured while someone else was driving?
Check if you can claim
If you were hurt as a passenger in a car, taxi or private-hire vehicle, you may be eligible to make car accident passenger claims if someone else’s negligence caused the crash. You could claim compensation for your injuries and financial losses on a No Win No Fee basis.
Regulated solicitors
Years' experience
No Win No Fee
Can you make car accident passenger claims?
Yes, in most cases. As a passenger you are rarely responsible for a crash, so car accident passenger claims are usually made against whichever driver was at fault. That may be the driver of the vehicle you were in, another road user, or both.
Most car accident passenger claims are made against the responsible party’s insurer rather than the individual driver, even if the driver was a friend or family member. You normally have three years from the date of the accident to start a claim.
Why passengers are usually able to claim
As a passenger you have no control over how the vehicle is driven, so responsibility for a crash sits with one of the drivers involved, not with you. As a result, car accident passenger claims are often more straightforward because liability is usually easier to establish.
A claim can cover the injury itself and the financial impact that follows, from lost earnings to the cost of treatment and support during your recovery. Where two drivers were both at fault, a claim can be made against each of their insurers.
car passengers were injured in reported road accidents in Great Britain in 2023 (Department for Transport). Where the crash was not your fault, you may be able to claim.
Common causes of car passenger accident claims
As a passenger, the question is usually not whether you can claim, but which driver was at fault. There are three common situations.
Another driver was at fault
Another vehicle caused the crash. Your claim is against that driver’s insurer, and the driver you were travelling with is not blamed.
Your own driver was at fault
Including a friend, family member or a taxi or private hire driver. You claim against their insurance, not against them personally.
Both drivers shared the blame
Where responsibility is split, you can usually claim against both insurers, and your compensation is not reduced for their shared fault.
In each case, common causes include speeding, distraction, careless driving and poor conditions. Tell us what happened and we will identify who to claim against.
What can you claim for as an injured passenger?
Car accident passenger claims are usually made up of two parts: compensation for the injury itself and compensation for the financial losses that followed.Common passenger injuries include whiplash and neck or back injuries, fractures, head injuries and psychological effects.
Every claim is assessed individually. Your solicitor will explain what your claim may be worth once an independent medical report sets out how the injury has affected you.
- Pain, suffering and the effect on your daily life
- Lost earnings, now and in the future
- Treatment, rehabilitation and travel costs
- Care, support and home adaptations if needed
Evidence that supports your claim
As a passenger you may not have all the details, because you were not driving. That is fine. You do not need to gather everything before you get in touch, and we can help obtain the rest.
Claiming against a friend or family member? You are claiming on their insurance, which is what it is there for. It does not come out of their pocket, and it need not affect your relationship.
No win no fee car accident passenger claims
You can start a passenger claim without paying anything upfront. If your claim is unsuccessful, you will not pay a fee for our work, subject to the terms of your agreement.
If your claim succeeds, an agreed success fee is deducted from your compensation. Your solicitor will explain this clearly before you commit to anything.
You will see the full terms in writing before your claim begins.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know before starting your claim.
Who pays my compensation as a passenger?
The insurer of whichever driver was at fault. As a passenger you are claiming against insurance, not against a person. If two drivers shared the blame, you can usually claim against both insurers.
Can I claim if the driver was a friend or family member?
Yes. Your claim is made against their insurance, which is exactly what it is for. It does not come out of their own pocket, so a claim need not affect your relationship. This is one of the most common passenger claims we handle.
Can I claim as a passenger in a taxi or private hire vehicle?
Yes. Whether you were in a taxi, a private hire car or a rideshare, you can usually claim against whichever driver was responsible, through their insurance. Keep your booking confirmation or receipt if you have one, as it helps confirm the journey.
Can I still claim if I wasn't wearing a seatbelt?
You may still be able to claim. Compensation can be reduced if not wearing a seatbelt made your injuries worse, but that does not automatically prevent a claim. Our team can explain how this might apply in your case.
What if the other driver was uninsured or drove off?
You may still be able to claim. Claims involving an uninsured or untraced driver are handled through the Motor Insurers’ Bureau. We can explain how this works and deal with it for you.
How long do I have to make a passenger claim?
In most cases you have three years from the date of the accident. For children, the three years usually starts on their 18th birthday. Different rules apply for people who lack the capacity to claim. If you are unsure, contact us and we will check whether you are still in time.
Check if you can make car accident passenger claims
Tell us what happened and we will review your details and get back to you. We will explain your options in plain English, with no obligation to go ahead.
- Free, no-obligation review
- No Win No Fee available
- SRA-regulated solicitors
Check if you can make a claim
Takes less than 60 seconds
Other road traffic claims we handle
Don't Let Time Run Out On Your Claim
Most car accident passenger claims must be started within three years. As a passenger, you are rarely at fault, so it is well worth checking whether you can make a claim.
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