Passenger Injury Lawyer Corpus Christi

Being hurt as a passenger can feel confusing, especially when the driver was a friend or family member. The law may still give you options. As a vehicle passenger, you generally have the same right to seek compensation for your injuries as the driver does, even if you were riding with the at-fault driver. The Daspit Law Firm helps injured passengers across Corpus Christi, Nueces County and the Coastal Bend. Our work as a personal injury attorney in Corpus Christi team begins with listening to what happened.

What Are My Rights as a Vehicle Passenger?

You have the right to seek compensation. A passenger injured in a car accident can bring a claim or lawsuit in the same way a driver can. With help from a Corpus Christi car accident attorney at the Daspit Law Firm, you can pursue payment for damages that may include the following.

Economic Damages

These are losses with a dollar value:

•         Medical expenses, including hospital care and physical therapy

•         Missed wages and lost earning ability

•         Ongoing care for injuries that last

Noneconomic Damages

These are harms that do not come with a bill but still affect your life, such as physical pain, mental anguish, scarring and loss of enjoyment of life. Serious cases may involve catastrophic injuries, where long-term impact may be considerable.

Who Is Liable for a Passenger's Injuries?

Many people assume a car accident involves two drivers, and that is often true. Passengers are a third group who can be hurt in the same crash. Like any personal injury case, a passenger claim depends on liability: who or what is responsible for your injuries and other damages.

The Driver of Your Vehicle

If the driver of your car was speeding, distracted or impaired, you may have a claim against them, even if you know them well. These claims are usually handled through the driver's liability insurance, not out of their pocket, though that depends on the policy.

The Other Driver

If another driver caused the crash, that driver may be responsible. Learning more about common causes of car accidents can help you understand how fault is shown. If a large commercial vehicle was involved, review our 18-wheeler accident information too.

Other Responsible Parties

Other parties may share responsibility, including an automaker for a vehicle defect or a municipality for a defective road design. A lawyer can review the facts and see who may be responsible. Because passengers usually are not in control of the vehicle, comparative fault is less likely to be an issue for them, but Texas generally applies a 51 percent bar to anyone found mostly at fault.

Paying for Your Care: Insurance Options for Passengers

Passengers often have more than one source of recovery. The at-fault driver's liability coverage is one. You may also have access to personal injury protection coverage, which can pay certain medical costs no matter who was at fault, if it was purchased. Understanding recovery from insurance options early can help you avoid missing a source of payment.

What to Do After a Car Accident as a Passenger

•         Seek medical attention first, even if injuries seem minor.

•         Report the crash and get a copy of the police report.

•         Take photos and get names and contact details for witnesses and drivers.

•         Do not give a recorded statement to an insurance company without legal advice.

•         Call a lawyer as soon as possible. Car accident claims are subject to a statute of limitations, and Texas generally allows two years for a personal injury lawsuit under Civil Practice and Remedies Code section 16.003.

Why Choose the Daspit Law Firm

John Daspit is a former insurance defense lawyer with years of trial experience, so our team understands how insurance companies review passenger claims. We offer free consultations and are available to meet with clients at home or in the hospital when injuries make travel hard. If a loved one died in a crash, we also handle wrongful death claims.

Start Your Passenger Injury Claim in Corpus Christi

If you were hurt as a passenger, ask our Corpus Christi car accident lawyers for a free consultation today. We can explain your options, answer your questions and help you decide what to do next. You may also read more on our Corpus Christi car accident injuries page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I sue the driver if I was a passenger and they are my friend or relative?

Yes, you may be able to bring a claim against a driver who caused the crash, even a friend or relative. In most cases the claim is paid by the driver's auto liability insurance, not personally. Many passengers feel uneasy about this step, and a lawyer can explain how the process works.

What if the driver who hit us had no insurance?

You may have other options, such as uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage or personal injury protection under a policy that applies to you. Coverage depends on the policies involved. A lawyer can review them and help you see which sources of recovery may be available.

How long do I have to file a passenger injury claim in Texas?

Texas generally gives two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit, though exceptions may apply. Insurance companies may also have shorter claim deadlines under their policies. Contact a lawyer promptly so your rights are protected.

What damages can a passenger recover?

Depending on the facts, damages may include medical bills, physical therapy, lost wages, ongoing care costs, pain, mental anguish and loss of enjoyment of life. No outcome can be guaranteed, but a lawyer can help you document your losses and understand what may be claimed.

What if I was a passenger in a rideshare or taxi?

You may still have a claim. Responsibility may involve the rideshare or taxi driver, another driver or the company, and insurance rules can differ. Because several policies may apply, speak with a lawyer early and preserve your trip records, receipts and messages.