Getting into a friend’s car should be simple: you're catching a ride, not expecting a trip to the emergency room. But accidents happen every day in Los Angeles, and when you’re the passenger, things can get confusing fast.
Whose insurance pays? Do you have to sue your friend? What if another driver was involved?
Here’s what you need to know if you were hurt while riding as a passenger in someone else’s car.
First Things First: Passengers Have Rights
Under California law, passengers have just as much right to compensation as drivers when they’re injured in a crash.
Whether your friend caused the accident or another driver did, you shouldn’t be the one paying for medical bills, lost income, or long-term recovery costs.
Who’s Responsible for Your Injuries?
Determining who pays depends on how the crash happened.
1. Your Friend (the Driver) Was at Fault
If your friend made an unsafe turn, was distracted, or rear-ended someone, their auto insurance should cover your injuries under the bodily injury liability coverage section of their policy.
This doesn’t automatically mean you’re “suing” your friend, you're filing a claim with their insurer, not taking personal legal action against them.
In many cases, your friend’s insurance will handle the claim directly without it affecting your relationship.
2. Another Driver Caused the Crash
If another driver was clearly at fault, for example, they ran a red light or hit your car from behind, their insurance company is responsible for paying your damages.
Your attorney will help file a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurer and make sure all your medical costs and other losses are included.
3. Both Drivers Share Fault
Sometimes, both your friend and another driver share responsibility. California follows a comparative negligence rule, which means each driver’s insurance pays a portion of your damages based on their percentage of fault.
For example, if your friend is found 40% at fault and the other driver 60%, their insurers will split responsibility accordingly.
4. The Driver Has No Insurance or Not Enough Coverage
If your friend or the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured, you may still be covered under:
- Your own auto insurance, if you have Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage.
- A family member’s policy, if you live in the same household and are listed as an insured driver.
An attorney can help you explore every available coverage option even if you weren’t driving.
Common Passenger Injuries After a Crash
Even in low-speed accidents, passengers can suffer serious injuries, including:
- Whiplash and back injuries
- Head trauma or concussions
- Broken bones
- Soft-tissue damage
- Emotional distress or PTSD
Passengers often experience injuries to the side of the body facing the impact, especially in T-bone or side-collision crashes and those can take weeks or months to fully heal.
What To Do After a Car Accident as a Passenger
- Check for injuries and call 911. Always get medical attention, even if you feel fine at first.
- Gather information from both drivers license, insurance, and contact details.
- Take photos and videos of the scene, vehicles, and your injuries.
- Get witness statements or contact info from anyone who saw the crash.
- Avoid posting about the accident on social media until your case is resolved.
- Contact a personal injury attorney before speaking with any insurance company.
Having legal help ensures your rights are protected and prevents insurance adjusters from minimizing your claim.
Will Filing a Claim Affect Your Friendship?
Many passengers hesitate to make a claim because they don’t want to “go after” a friend. But remember you’re not targeting your friend personally. You’re seeking compensation from their insurance, which exists for exactly this reason.
It’s completely possible to recover damages while maintaining your friendship, and in most cases, your friend’s rates may not even increase significantly.
How Estrada Law Group Can Help
At Estrada Law Group, we’ve represented countless passengers injured in car accidents across Los Angeles, Riverside, and surrounding cities.
Our team helps you:
- Identify all possible sources of coverage (your friend’s, the other driver’s, or your own).
- Handle every step of the insurance process.
- Work with medical providers to document your injuries and recovery.
- Fight for full compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and emotional distress.
We understand that these cases can be delicate especially when a friend is involved so we handle every situation with care, professionalism, and respect.
The Bottom Line
If you were hurt as a passenger, you have options. You didn’t cause the accident and you shouldn’t be left with the costs.
Whether your friend, another driver, or both were responsible, Estrada Law Group can help you navigate the process, deal with the insurance companies, and make sure you get what you’re entitled to.
📞 Call Esther The Lawyer today at (323) 609-5000 or email intake@estradalawgroup.com.
We fight for victims. We fight for families. We fight for justice.
👉 Stay connected with Esther on social for more legal insights and updates:
Instagram: @estherthelawyer | @estradalawgroup
TikTok: @estherthelawyer
