Bridgeport Car Accident Lawyers for Passenger Injuries

Attorneys Helping Passengers Who Have Suffered Harm in Motor Vehicle Accidents in Bridgeport, CT

If you were hurt while riding as a passenger in a car that was involved in a crash, you have rights that a lawyer can help you protect. At Tremont Sheldon P.C., we have experience representing seriously injured passengers throughout Connecticut. We can help you understand your rights and handle insurance claims and related issues, allowing you to focus on your medical recovery.

Your Rights as a Passenger in a Connecticut Car Accident

Under Connecticut law, if you were injured in a crash that was not your fault, you can bring a claim against the person or people who were at fault. Passengers have the same right to recovery as injured drivers. You do not give up your right to recovery just because you were not behind the wheel.

In most cases, passengers can file a claim against the insurance policy of the at-fault driver. That might be the driver of the other vehicle, the driver of the car you were riding in, or both, if more than one person contributed to the crash.

Even if you were riding with a friend or family member, you still have the right to file a claim for your injuries. That claim will typically be handled by their insurance company, not by them personally. Our lawyers can walk you through your options and help you weigh the impact of each choice.

Who Pays for Passenger Injuries?

Several factors may determine who will be responsible for paying for your injuries after a car accident. Sources of compensation may include:

• The At-Fault Driver's Insurance: If another driver caused the crash, you can bring a claim against their liability insurance policy. If the driver of the car you were in was at fault, their liability insurance should cover your injuries.
• Both Drivers' Policies: If both drivers share blame, you may be able to recover from both policies up to their limits.
• Your Own Insurance: If one or both drivers are uninsured or do not have enough coverage under their policies, your own uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage may help.
• MedPay or Health Insurance: These policies can help with medical bills in the short term, even while your injury claim is still pending.

Car accident passenger injury claims can get complicated, especially when multiple policies are involved. Our attorneys can help you understand how to access these insurance policies and how to handle the delays and denials that sometimes come up during the process.

What if the Passenger and Driver Are Friends or Family?

You may hesitate to file a claim if the driver of the car you were riding in is someone close to you. That's understandable. You don't want to cause conflict or create financial problems for someone you care about. However, in most cases, your claim will be handled entirely through an insurance company. Payments will not come out of your friend or family member's pocket, and the case will not result in a lawsuit unless the insurer refuses to act fairly.

Car insurance exists to protect people when accidents happen. If you have been seriously hurt and are facing hospital bills or time off work, it's reasonable to use that coverage to take care of yourself.

At Tremont Sheldon P.C., our lawyers are careful about how we handle personal injury cases involving people with close relationships. We will keep things professional while focusing on the insurance process, not on blame. The person who was at fault may be relieved to know that you are getting help and that their insurance is doing what it is supposed to do.

Can Multiple Passengers File Claims?

Yes. If several passengers were injured in the same crash, each of them can file a separate claim. There may sometimes be limits to how much insurance coverage is available. That is why we recommend getting advice from our car accident lawyers as early as possible. We can evaluate the available insurance coverage while helping you understand what documentation will be needed and what effect multiple claims might have on your case.

What Happens if the Driver Is Uninsured or Underinsured?

When the at-fault driver does not have enough insurance coverage or does not have any insurance at all, you may still have options. Your own car insurance policy most likely includes UM/UIM coverage, which will address accidents involving uninsured or underinsured drivers. In Connecticut, UM/UIM coverage is required as part of every auto policy unless you reject it in writing.

Even if you were not in your own car at the time of the crash, your personal policy might still apply. We can help you review your coverage and figure out whether it can help in your situation.

Do Passengers Ever Get Blamed for Car Accidents?

In rare situations, insurance companies may try to reduce what they will be required to pay by arguing that you shared some blame for a car accident. For example, they may say:

• You were not wearing a seat belt
• You chose to ride with a driver who was clearly impaired
• You were distracting the driver

Even in these cases, you can often still recover damages for your injuries. Connecticut follows a "modified comparative negligence" rule, which means that as long as you were not more than 50% at fault, you can recover reduced compensation. Our attorneys have seen insurance companies try to exaggerate the fault of passengers in order to avoid paying claims. We will push back against these tactics and make sure you are not unfairly blamed.

Experience With Passenger Injury Cases

At Tremont Sheldon P.C., we have been handling injury cases in Connecticut for decades, and we have represented many passengers in crashes. We will not just represent you in court. We will get to know you, listen to your concerns, and help you make the best decision based on your individual situation. Our team will prepare every case as if it will go to trial, even though many cases can be settled without litigation. That preparation will give you the best chance at full recovery.

Rideshare and Taxi Passenger Injuries

In recent years, Uber and Lyft accidents have become more common. These cases can involve different types of insurance, including commercial policies or supplemental rideshare coverage. Our attorneys know how to handle those cases and how to get answers from companies that may be difficult to deal with. Whether a crash was caused by a rideshare driver or someone else, we can help you figure out what insurance coverage is available and how to move forward.

Passenger Injury FAQs

Can I File a Claim if I Was a Passenger and the Driver of My Car Was at Fault for a Car Accident?

Yes. Connecticut law allows injured passengers to bring a claim against the at-fault driver, and you can do so even if it is someone you know or were riding with. The claim will be handled through their car insurance, not out of their own pocket.

What Are My Options as a Passenger if Both Drivers Were Partially Responsible for a Car Accident?

You may be able to bring claims against both drivers' insurance policies. If more than one person shares responsibility, each insurer may pay a portion of your damages. Our lawyers can help sort out who was at fault and determine how coverage applies.

Do I Need to File My Own Car Accident Insurance Claim if I Was Not Driving?

You might need to file your own claim. Depending on who was at fault and the available insurance coverage, your own auto insurance policy could provide uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. Our attorneys can review all policies involved to make sure nothing is overlooked.

I Was Not Wearing a Seat Belt When I Was in a Car Accident as a Passenger. Can I Still Bring a Claim?

Yes, but an insurance company may argue that not wearing a seat belt made your injuries worse. You may still be eligible for compensation, though the amount could be reduced.

How Long Do I Have to File a Car Accident Passenger Injury Claim in Connecticut?

Generally, you have two years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury claim. It is a good idea to get legal advice much sooner, so evidence does not disappear and coverage issues can be addressed early. There are some cases where the deadline might be shorter than two years, so it is important to contact an attorney as soon as possible to make sure your claim can be filed correctly.

Contact Our Bridgeport, Connecticut Car Accident Passenger Injury Lawyers

As a passenger, you have the same right as anyone else to recover physically and emotionally after a car accident. At Tremont Sheldon P.C., our lawyers can help you determine what steps to take to secure the financial compensation that will help you move forward. The sooner we talk, the sooner we can begin working to protect your health and your future. Contact our Bridgeport passenger injury attorneys at 203-335-5145 to set up a free consultation.