If you were injured as a passenger in a car accident, you have every right to ask what comes next. You weren’t behind the wheel. You had no control over the crash as it was your fault. But now you’re dealing with doctor visits, bills, and stress that wasn’t part of your day just hours earlier, all because of a crash that’s now led to a passenger injury claim after a car accident.
Phoenix car accident lawyers help passengers pursue injury claims all the time. You may not know whose insurance pays or how to start a claim, but you don’t have to guess. The law gives you a path forward, and you can take it, especially when you understand your rights as a passenger in a car accident negligence and how they protect you in times like this.
What matters now is understanding where you stand and how to move forward.
Do Passengers Have Legal Rights After a Crash?
Yes, passengers may file personal injury claims after a crash—even if they know or are related to the driver. Arizona law does not limit your rights just because you weren’t driving.
The claim will depend on fault. If one driver caused the crash, you may file a claim against their insurance policy. If multiple drivers share blame, you may file against more than one party. These types of cases can involve:
- A single-driver crash (filing against the insurance policy of the driver of your vehicle)
- A two-vehicle crash (filing against the insurance policy of the at-fault driver)
- Multi-car collisions (claims against the insurance policies of multiple parties)
You may file a claim even if your friend or family member caused the crash. In Arizona, the driver who caused the crash, no matter their relationship to you, may be held legally responsible.
Who Pays for Passenger Injuries?
More than one insurance policy might apply—it all depends on who caused the crash and what kind of coverage is available. Here’s where compensation usually comes from:
Bodily Injury Liability Insurance
Arizona requires every driver to carry a minimum amount of liability insurance. If the driver who caused the crash carries enough bodily injury liability coverage, that policy may cover your medical expenses and lost wages up to the policy limits.
MedPay
In Arizona, a registered auto owner can purchase MedPay (Medical Payments) coverage. If the driver of the car you’re in has this coverage, it can pay for immediate medical bills, no matter who caused the crash.
Your Own Insurance
If you have car insurance with MedPay or uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage, those benefits may apply—even if you weren’t driving.
Multiple Injury Victims
If several people were hurt, insurance limits may not cover everyone. In that case, insurers may divide coverage between victims. This can create delays and raise questions about how the funds will be split.
A passenger injury claim after a car accident may involve back-and-forth with multiple insurance adjusters. That’s why documenting your injuries and medical treatment early can make a difference.
What Damages Can Passengers Recover?
You may recover the same types of damages that any other injured party would claim. These fall into two categories:
Economic Damages
These include the out-of-pocket costs you can measure:
- Medical expenses (hospital bills, follow-up care, prescriptions, therapy)
- Lost income (if your injury forces you to miss work)
- Transportation for medical care or rehabilitation
Non-Economic Damages
These cover more personal impacts:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
In serious crashes, long-term effects like disability or chronic pain may also factor into your settlement negotiations.
What If You Were Related to the Driver?
You may still file a claim, but some insurance policies limit the liability coverage available to household members of the driver. These rules vary by insurer and policy language.
For example, if your spouse or parent caused the crash, you may need to look beyond their policy to recover full damages. A Phoenix car accident lawyer can review the language of the policy and help you figure out your options.
What If the Driver Was Uninsured?
You still have options. Uninsured motorist coverage (UM) may step in to cover your injuries. If the at-fault driver had no insurance or left the scene, UM coverage from your own policy or the driver’s policy (if available) may help.
These cases often require fast action and careful review of coverage. Insurance companies won’t always explain what’s available up front. Someone will need to push for answers.
What If the Fault Is Still Under Investigation?
You don’t have to wait to start a claim. Even if the police report isn’t final or the investigation is ongoing, you can begin collecting records and submitting bills. Your attorney can communicate with adjusters while law enforcement finishes their review of the accident.
If an investigation shows that both drivers contributed to the crash, you may pursue claims against both.
How Long Do Passengers Have to File a Claim?
Under A.R.S. § 12-542, you will have two years from the date of the accident to file most personal injury lawsuits, including those involving passenger injuries. If you miss this deadline, you may lose your right to recover any compensation through the court system. That’s why it’s smart to act early, especially if multiple people were injured.
Should You Hire a Lawyer for a Passenger Injury Claim?
No one plans to get hurt as a passenger. You may feel uncomfortable filing a claim against someone you know. Or maybe you’re worried the driver’s insurance won’t be enough. These are valid concerns.
A lawyer can look at every possible insurance policy, explain your rights as a passenger, and help move the process forward. You shouldn’t have to fight for treatment or answers while recovering from an injury someone else caused.
Injured as a Passenger? Let’s Talk About What Comes Next
If you were injured in a crash and need answers, our Phoenix car accident lawyers will be here. At Triumph Law Group, we know how confusing this process can feel when you didn’t do anything wrong. That’s why we take the time to listen, investigate every option, and keep you in the loop from start to finish. Our team is here to help you understand your rights and take the first step toward securing the necessary benefits.
You may have questions about insurance coverage, fault, or how long things will take—we’ll go over all of it with you, one step at a time. Reach out today at 602-595-5559, and let’s see how we can help.
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