Passenger Rights After a Car Accident: Can You File a Claim Too?

When a car accident happens, most people focus on the drivers involved — but what about the passengers?

If you were riding as a passenger in a vehicle that was involved in a crash, you may be left with serious injuries, emotional distress, and medical bills… yet unsure whether you even have the right to file a claim.

Here’s the truth:
As a passenger, you have just as much right to compensation as the driver — sometimes more.

It doesn’t matter if you were riding with a friend, a co-worker, or even in a taxi, Uber, or Lyft. If someone else’s negligence caused the accident — whether it was the other driver or the person operating the vehicle you were in — you may be entitled to file a claim for your injuries, lost wages, and other damages.

And no — filing a claim doesn’t mean “suing your friend.” Most claims are filed against insurance policies, not individuals directly. You’re not punishing anyone — you’re protecting yourself.

What types of compensation can a passenger claim?

• Emergency medical costs
• Follow-up treatments and physical therapy
• Lost income (if the injury kept you from working)
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress or PTSD

But here’s where it gets tricky:
Insurance companies may try to deny your claim, delay payment, or blame someone else to avoid responsibility. You might get caught between two insurance carriers — the one for the car you were in, and the one for the other driver. That’s why having a legal team that understands passenger injury cases is critical.

At Momentum Law, we’ve helped passengers across Brooklyn and NYC recover the compensation they deserve — even in complex multi-driver cases. We listen. We guide. And we protect your rights from day one.

If you were injured as a passenger in any kind of vehicle — don’t stay silent. You have rights. Let us help you use them.

📞 Schedule a free consultation today — and take back control of your recovery.