If you’ve been injured as a passenger in a vehicle accident in Florida, you might be unsure about your legal rights—or whether you even have a claim. Many passengers mistakenly believe they are limited in pursuing compensation after a crash, but Florida law actually provides several pathways for injured passengers to recover damages.
This guide explains how passenger injury claims work in Florida, who can be held liable, and how insurance coverage applies when passengers suffer injuries in a car accident.
Do Passengers Have the Right to File Injury Claims in Florida?
Yes—passengers in Florida have the same right to pursue compensation for their injuries as drivers do. Whether you were riding in a friend’s car, a family member’s vehicle, or a rideshare, you can file a personal injury claim if someone else’s negligence caused the crash.
In fact, passengers are often in a stronger legal position than drivers because they are almost never assigned any fault for the accident itself.
Who Can Injured Passengers Sue After a Car Accident?
1. The Driver of the Vehicle You Were In
If the driver of your vehicle caused the accident—through speeding, distracted driving, or any other form of negligence—you may be able to file a claim against their insurance policy to recover compensation.
2. Another At-Fault Driver
If another vehicle caused the crash, you can pursue a third-party claim against that driver’s insurance company.
3. Multiple Parties (Shared Liability Cases)
In some accidents, more than one party shares fault. For example, both your driver and another vehicle could be partially responsible. In these cases, your passenger injury claim may involve multiple insurance companies.
What Compensation Can Injured Passengers Pursue?
As an injured passenger, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Future medical expenses
- Rehabilitation and therapy costs
The amount of compensation depends on the severity of your injuries, the available insurance coverage, and whether the at-fault party was fully insured.
How Florida’s No-Fault System Affects Passenger Injury Claims
Because Florida is a no-fault insurance state, most vehicle occupants—including passengers—turn first to the Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage provided by the vehicle owner’s insurance.
Key Points About PIP for Passengers
- Covers up to $10,000 in medical expenses and lost wages
- Applies regardless of who caused the crash
- Only covers a portion of your total expenses
If your injuries are serious—meaning they involve significant or permanent impairment—you can step outside the no-fault system and pursue a liability claim against the at-fault driver (or drivers).
Passenger Injuries in Rideshare Accidents
Passengers injured in Uber or Lyft accidents are also covered by rideshare insurance policies. Depending on the circumstances, coverage could include:
- PIP benefits
- Liability coverage if the rideshare driver was at fault
- Coverage from another driver’s policy if they caused the crash
The legal process for rideshare accidents can be complex, requiring careful review of the insurance policies involved.
Steps Injured Passengers Should Take After a Crash
If you were injured as a passenger, here’s what you should do to protect your health and your legal rights:
1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Always get checked out—even if your injuries seem minor. Documentation from your initial medical visit is critical to your claim.
2. Gather Information at the Scene
- Take photos of the vehicles, scene, and any visible injuries
- Collect contact and insurance information from all drivers
- Get witness contact information, if possible
3. Notify Your Insurance Company
If you own a vehicle, your own PIP policy might provide coverage—even if you weren’t driving your car.
4. Consult an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney
Passenger injury claims can involve multiple insurance policies and disputes over liability. An experienced attorney can help you navigate these complexities and maximize your compensation.
Know Your Rights as an Injured Passenger in Florida
Passengers injured in Florida car accidents have clear rights to pursue compensation—whether from the driver of their vehicle, another at-fault driver, or a rideshare company. Understanding how insurance applies and when you can file a personal injury claim is key to protecting your future.
If you or a loved one has been injured as a passenger, contact Warren Chin at ECD Law today at (941) 366-8888 for guidance tailored to your situation.