Passenger Accident Claims

If you were injured while travelling as a passenger due to someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to make a car passenger accident claim.

Passengers injured in road traffic accidents on UK roads may be able to claim compensation. This could be caused by a driver’s negligence or reckless behaviour, another road user, poor road conditions, or a vehicle defect.

Passenger injuries can range from minor to severe, with the most serious accidents resulting in life-changing conditions or fatalities. A road accident solicitor can help you claim compensation on a no win no fee basis, regardless of how serious your injuries are and who was responsible for the accident.

To start your passenger accident claim, call free on 0800 470 0474. You can also use our online claim form to request a call back.

What is a passenger accident compensation claim?

A car passenger accident claim is a type of road traffic accident claim made by someone who was injured while travelling as a passenger in a vehicle. This could involve a taxi accident, an Uber accident, or an accident while riding in a car with a friend, colleague or family member.

Because passengers have no control over a vehicle, their responsibility for causing the accident is usually not disputed in car accident claims. If the accident was caused by negligence, you may be able to claim compensation for your pain and suffering, as well as any financial losses, such as medical expenses and lost wages.

Can I make a passenger injury claim?

Yes. If you were injured as a passenger in a road traffic accident, you can claim against the party responsible for the accident. The easiest way to verify your eligibility is through a free consultation with a personal injury solicitor. They will ask you some basic questions to determine if:

• Another party owed you a duty of care.
• They breached their duty through negligence.
• You were injured as a passenger in a car accident as a result.
• The accident took place less than three years ago.

If you can proceed, they will explain all the steps of the claims process and answer any questions you may have.

Who is responsible for passengers in a car?

Under the Road Traffic Act 1988, the driver of a vehicle owes passengers a duty to drive with reasonable care. They also have a duty to drive carefully and keep all other road users safe from harm and injuries. This includes following traffic laws, respecting the speed limits and operating their vehicles safely.

They must avoid aggressive driving and any distractions that could put passengers at risk. Drivers must also ensure their vehicles are in good working condition, regularly inspected, and properly maintained.

Furthermore, under UK law, if a passenger is under 14, the driver must also ensure they are appropriately seated and correctly restrained. If they have a passenger under 14 who is not adequately restrained, they may receive a fine of up to £500, which may also impact future motor insurance costs.

Who pays compensation for a passenger car accident?

Usually, a driver will be responsible if you are involved in an accident as a passenger, and their motor insurance will cover any compensation awarded to you. However, that is not always the case, and the liable party could also be:

• A manufacturer, if the accident happened due to a vehicle defect.
• A car repair shop, if they failed to identify faults with your vehicle or repair it adequately.
• A pedestrian or cyclist who acted negligently and caused your vehicle to crash.
• The local council or authorities responsible for road maintenance.

Your solicitor will identify who is responsible for your accident and injuries and help you make your claim for compensation against them.

Time limits to claim passenger injury compensation

Generally, you have three years to make a personal injury claim as a passenger, starting from the time of the accident. This time limit is determined by the Limitation Act 1980, under which there are a few exceptions to the limitation period:

• You could make a child injury claim at any time before their 18th birthday, after which they will have until 21 to start a claim themselves.
• If the claimant is an adult who lacks mental capacity, there is no limitation date to start a claim on their behalf.

It is always best to seek legal advice as soon as possible. That will ensure you remember essential details about the incident and will help your solicitor talk to witnesses and gather the best evidence to secure compensation.

What should I do if I were a passenger in a car accident?

If you have suffered an injury as a passenger following a road accident, your first concern should be your health. Request an ambulance by calling 999 if you suffered severe injuries, or visit your GP or the A&E as soon as possible. If possible, gather as much evidence at the scene as possible, such as:

• Details of other drivers and witnesses.
• Photos or videos of the damage, taken from different angles.
• Pictures of your injuries.
• The licence plate and model of other vehicles.

If you want compensation from the party responsible for your accident, you should contact a solicitor as early as possible. If you can proceed, they will help you gather further evidence to make a successful passenger personal injury claim, such as:

• Copies of police statements, if available.
• Copies of your medical records.
• Your notes on how the accident occurred and how it has affected you.
• Receipts and invoices for financial losses and expenses.
• Proof of loss of earnings, if relevant.
• Expert testimony.

Once your solicitor has gathered all the evidence, they will send a letter of claim to the defendant and begin to negotiate a settlement with their insurer. If liability is denied or negotiations fail, they will issue court proceedings and prepare for a trial, but most cases don’t go to court.

How much compensation can I claim as a passenger?

The amount of compensation you could claim as a passenger who was injured in a car accident will depend on your particular circumstances and the severity of your injuries. Every car passenger accident claim will cover two types of losses:

General damages are awarded for the physical injury and how it has affected your life, and could include:

• Physical pain and suffering.
• Emotional and psychological trauma.
• Scarring and disability.
• Loss of amenities and enjoyment of life.

Special damages cover all the financial losses and out-of-pocket expenses you incurred due to being involved in a car accident, which may include:

• Loss of earnings during recovery and loss of earning capacity.
• Modifications to your home or vehicle to support a disability.
• Costs of care and assistance with daily living.
• Medical treatments, rehabilitation and physical therapy.

You can refer to our online compensation calculator to see how much you could receive for general damages based on the type and severity of your injuries, according to the Judicial College guidelines.

Can I make a No Win No Fee passenger accident claim?

Yes, if you are entitled to compensation for passenger injuries, you can start your claim without worrying about legal fees and financial risks. The solicitors we partner with work on a no win no fee* basis, which means that:

• You do not have to pay them anything upfront.
• They receive a success fee of up to 25% of your compensation award if your case is successful.
• If they lose your claim, you do not have to pay them a single penny.

Common causes of road accidents involving passengers

Car passenger road accidents can occur due to various factors and causes, such as:

• Distracted driving – Using a phone, the GPS or other distractions from the road.
• Speeding – Driving above speed limits or too fast for the road conditions.
• Impaired driving – Driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or prescription medication.
• Reckless driving – Aggressive behaviours like tailgating, weaving, or road rage.
• Ignoring traffic laws – Running red lights, stop signs and failing to yield right of way.
• Poor road conditions – Potholes, debris, and poorly designed or maintained roads.

If you were a passenger injured in a car accident, you may be able to claim compensation for any resulting injuries.

Common injuries suffered by passengers in road accidents

Road traffic accidents can result in a wide range of injuries to passengers, varying in severity from minor to life-threatening. The most common ones include:

• Whiplash injuries – Cause neck pain, stiffness, and limited range of motion.
• Broken bones – Road accidents commonly cause fractures in the arms, legs, and ribs.
• Head injuries – These range from mild concussions to severe traumatic brain injuries.
• Laceration injuries – From broken glass, debris, and sharp objects in the vehicle.
• Spinal cord injuries – Severe accidents can result in paralysis or limited mobility.
• Airbag injuries – Broken noses, rib injuries and other trauma caused by a deploying airbag.
• Internal injuries – Blunt force trauma can cause internal bleeding and organ damage.
• Psychological injuries – The shock of an accident can lead to anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

The type and severity of the injury you suffered will determine how much passenger injury compensation you might be entitled to claim. To find out what your claim could be worth, call 0800 470 0474 or request a call back to talk with an experienced legal adviser.

Frequently asked questions

For a free case assessment, call 0800 470 0474 or use our online claim form to speak to a solicitor. If you have a valid claim for a passenger accident, they will help you get the compensation you deserve and get your life back on track.