Most people understand that if you get injured in a Seattle car accident due to the reckless behavior of another driver, you can file an insurance claim or lawsuit for damages. But what if you weren’t behind the wheel at the time? Many injured passengers are left wondering, “Can a passenger sue a driver after an accident?” Our experienced Seattle car accident attorney helps clients in these cases and explains that the short answer is yes.
Passengers have the same right as drivers to seek compensation for injuries due to crashes and collisions caused by negligence.
However, these claims can be complicated because multiple drivers and insurance policies are often involved. Passengers may have to file a lawsuit against the driver of the car they were in, the driver of another vehicle, or even both.
At Washington Injury Law, we help passengers recover damages after all types of crashes, from freeway collisions on I-90 to rideshare wrecks in downtown Seattle. “If I were the passenger in a car accident, can I sue?” The following explains the factors involved, who can be held liable, and how to protect your rights to compensation throughout the claims process.
Seattle Car Accidents: Can A Passenger Sue The At-Fault Driver?
It’s relatively rare for a passenger in a Seattle car accident to be at fault. Under the Washington Revised Code, drivers are legally required to obey the rules of the road, must refrain from any reckless behavior that could put them or others at risk, and can be held liable when injuries happen due to their negligence.
While there are exceptions, such as if you were distracting the driver at the time, the primary concern for passengers is how to get compensation. So, can a passenger sue the driver in an accident? Yes, but first you need to determine liability and whether insurance applies.
If the driver of the car you were in caused the accident, their auto liability insurance should cover your injuries. If another driver were responsible, you’d likely file against that driver’s policy. And in cases where multiple drivers share blame, you may need to pursue claims against them all.
Our experienced Seattle car accident attorney helps clients in these types of complex cases. Common situations where passengers can sue a driver in an accident include:
- The driver you were riding with was speeding, under the influence, or engaged in other reckless behavior.
- Another driver ran a red light, cut your vehicle off while passing, or took other actions to cause the crash.
- Both drivers contributed to the accident, creating shared liability.
- The at-fault driver’s insurance limits aren’t enough to cover your losses.
In each scenario, the key question isn’t whether a passenger can sue the driver in a Seattle car accident. It’s who bears responsibility and whether their insurance policy can fully compensate for their losses.
Can A Passenger Sue A Driver? Common Challenges In Seattle Car Accident Claims
Even though passengers typically aren’t blamed for a crash, that doesn’t mean the claims process is easy. Insurance companies often fight to reduce payouts, delay investigations, or deny claims altogether. Be particularly wary of quick settlement offers that fail to take into account the full extent of your injuries.
Can a passenger sue a driver? Filing a car accident lawsuit in Seattle against the at-fault driver is an option, but common challenges passengers often encounter include:
- Disputes over liability, especially if multiple vehicles were involved.
- Fear of suing friends or family and how it could impact your relationship.
- Washington State comparative negligence laws could impact your rights to compensation if you are even somewhat at fault for the crash.
- Difficulty in gathering the evidence needed in court, which includes police reports, witness statements, and medical records.
- Delays in getting compensation due to complicated court processes and hearing schedules.
For these reasons, contact an experienced Seattle car accident attorney who understands passenger rights and Washington negligence law before deciding whether to sue the driver or settle with insurers.
Protecting Your Rights As A Passenger In Seattle Car Accident Claims
“If I were a passenger in a car accident, can I sue?” Absolutely, but filing a claim against the at-fault driver’s insurer is generally the first step.
Whether you seek compensation through insurers or a civil lawsuit filed through the Washington State court system, you need to document what happened and the losses you suffer as a result. To protect your rights as a passenger in a Seattle car accident claim, we recommend the following:
- Call 911 and make sure a police report gets filed to document the crash.
- Get vehicle registration and insurance numbers for all drivers involved.
- Get contact information from any witnesses and take photos (or videos) of the crash scene, damage to your vehicle, and your injuries.
- Visit your doctor, the local hospital emergency room, or an urgent care clinic for treatment, even if your injuries appear minor.
- Keep copies of medical records, lost income, and other expenses.
- Consult our experienced Seattle car accident attorney before speaking with insurers or accepting any settlements.
Following these steps helps to protect your rights to compensation after a Seattle car accident, whether you decide to sue the driver or settle with insurers.
Contact Our Experienced Seattle Car Accident Attorney Today To Schedule A Consultation
Being involved in a car accident in Seattle can cause serious personal injuries. Get the trusted legal guidance you need throughout the process from Washington Injury Law.
We help injured passengers across Seattle and King County get the compensation they need to recover, serving neighborhoods and zip codes that include 98101 (Downtown Seattle), 98115 (Northgate), and 98144 (Rainier Valley and Beacon Hill). Whether your case involves one driver, multiple drivers, or even a rideshare company, we’ll investigate, determine liability, and fight for your recovery.
Contact our office today to schedule a consultation with our experienced Seattle car accident attorney.