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If you’re injured as a passenger with someone else behind the wheel, one of the first questions that might come to mind is: how much money can a passenger in a car accident get? The short answer is that passengers often have strong legal standing to pursue compensation, but the payout can vary widely depending on the circumstances.
Settlement amounts may range from a few thousand dollars for minor injuries to hundreds of thousands for severe, life-altering conditions. Factors like the type of injury, available insurance coverage, and liability all play a role.
At Shapiro Law Team, we’ve helped countless car accident victims in Phoenix earn the compensation they deserve. Our guide will walk you through your rights as a passenger after an accident, the damages you can recover, and how to file a claim.
By the end, you’ll have a clearer understanding of what to expect and how to protect your right to fair compensation as a passenger in a car accident.
Table of Contents
ToggleOne of the most important things to remember as a passenger is this: you are rarely at fault for the crash. Because you weren’t driving, your claim is often stronger than a driver’s, who may be blamed partially or fully for causing the collision.
A passenger in a car accident typically has the right to seek compensation from any liable parties. This could include the driver of the vehicle you were in, another driver, or even a commercial entity such as a rideshare company or trucking company.
In addition, every passenger inside the vehicle has the right to file their own claim. This means that if there were 3 passengers in the car, then there’s the opportunity for 3 separate personal injury claims against the at-fault party.
Arizona is also a comparative negligence state, which means a driver’s percentage of fault can reduce their recovery. As a passenger, you’re usually shielded from this unless your actions contributed to the accident. This can include knowingly riding with an impaired driver, encouraging reckless driving, or not wearing a seatbelt.
The value of a settlement for a passenger in a car accident depends largely on the type and severity of injuries sustained. While every case is unique, looking at averages can help set expectations:
| Injury Severity | Typical Settlement Range | Examples of Injuries |
| Minor | $3,000 – $15,000 | Soft tissue injuries, whiplash, bruising |
| Moderate | $20,000 – $100,000 | Fractures, concussions, and herniated discs |
| Severe/Catastrophic | $100,000 – $1M+ | Traumatic brain injury (TBI), spinal cord damage, and permanent disability |
Important Note: These are averages, not guarantees. Two people with similar injuries may see very different outcomes depending on insurance coverage, state law, and other factors.
Several factors can influence the value of a settlement for a passenger in a car accident. Understanding these can help you and your attorney build a stronger case.
As a passenger, you may be eligible to recover several types of damages. These generally fall into three categories:
In cases of extreme recklessness, such as drunk driving or street racing, courts may award punitive damages. These are meant to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior in the future.
Not all passenger claims are alike. Here are some of the most common situations and how they affect potential compensation:
Liability is often split between multiple drivers. As a passenger, you may be able to pursue claims against more than one insurance policy.
Rideshare companies typically carry commercial policies that offer higher coverage than individual drivers. If you were hurt in a rideshare crash, it’s wise to explore if it’s possible to file under their insurance.
If only one vehicle is involved, passengers can typically file against the driver’s insurance, even if the driver is a friend or family member.
Drunk driving often opens the door to punitive damages. In some states, dram shop laws may also allow claims against bars or restaurants that overserved the driver.
Buses, taxis, and commercial shuttles have special rules for filing claims. In many cases, passengers must file against a government entity or corporation, which involves strict deadlines.
The claims process can feel overwhelming, but breaking it into steps makes it more manageable. Here are the basic steps on how to file a claim as a passenger in a car accident and earn compensation:
This includes drivers, trucking companies, rideshare corporations, or even municipalities if road design contributed.
Claims may need to be filed with multiple insurers. Coordinating these can be complex, which is why legal guidance can help make sure every guilty party is held responsible.
If you live in Arizona, your claim will follow comparative negligence laws. Even though passengers are rarely at fault, insurers may still try to reduce payouts.
Arizona has a strict filing deadline of 2 years for passengers in a car accident. Missing a deadline can bar you from compensation entirely.
While self-representation is possible for minor claims, serious injury cases often require professional legal support to maximize settlement value.
Even though passengers typically have strong claims, the road to full compensation isn’t always smooth. Some of the most common hurdles include:
How much money can a passenger in a car accident get? While the exact amount can vary depending on the circumstances, know that you have a legal right to pursue fair compensation. From medical expenses and lost wages to emotional pain and suffering, the law is designed to protect you.
The sooner you act, the stronger your claim will be. Thorough documentation, early filing, and professional guidance all make a difference.
At Shapiro Law Team, we fight tirelessly to ensure accident victims get the superior representation they deserve. Whether your accident involved a car, a commercial truck, or even a rideshare vehicle, our team is here to help.
We’re ready to take on multiple personal injury claims to protect every passenger in the vehicle. Our team will work with each passenger to make sure each claim is handled professionally and earns maximum compensation.
Contact our trusted Phoenix car accident lawyers today for a free case evaluation. Take the first step toward justice and recovery; reach out today.
Yes. If both drivers share fault, passengers may file claims against each party.
Rideshare companies carry commercial insurance that often provides higher coverage than personal policies. Whether or not you can file under this policy depends on the circumstances surrounding the accident.
Yes. Your claim is filed against their insurance, not against them personally.
The statute of limitations to file a claim in Arizona is generally 2 years from the date of the accident. Missing this deadline could bar your claim.
If several passengers are injured in an accident, each individual can file their own personal injury claim. So if there were 4 passengers in the car, there would be 4 claims filed against the at-fault party.
Yes, though some states allow insurers to reduce compensation if seatbelt use could have lessened the injury.