I Was a Passenger in a Road Traffic Accident - Can I Claim?

With over 700,000 accidents on Britain’s roads every year, even if you don’t drive, there is still a reasonable chance of being involved in a crash, unfortunately. Despite the dangers, many passengers (whether riding in the front seat of a car, in a taxi or getting the bus) do not realise they have the same rights as the driver in the event of a crash.

The major difference is it is unlikely that the passenger will be at fault for any aspect of the accident. If you are injured in a car as a result of another person’s negligence or incompetence, you may be able to claim compensation.

There are, of course, a number of ways to prevent injury in the event of a crash. In the passenger seat, you are effectively putting your wellbeing in someone else’s hands, but there are steps you can take to stay safe.

Remember to wear a seatbelt at all times, even on short journeys and do not distract the driver – this could take the form of loud music or talking loudly to another passenger as well as interacting with the person driving. Of course, a small child must be placed in a child seat at all times.

One area of confusion for a passenger making a claim is who is liable for the crash, and how they will pay. In some cases a driver’s insurance does not cover the full cost of the damage done. In this case it is possible that the second party involved (if there was one) could make up the difference if they were partially liable also. If two cars are involved in a crash, one or both (if the blame is shared) parties will be forced to notify their insurers and make a claim.

Winn Solicitors is dedicated to representing passengers as well as drivers in making a claim for reasonable injuries and expenses incurred as a direct result of a road traffic accident. One thing we notice time and again is that passengers are unaware they have the same statutory rights as a driver does in the event of a crash, and are just as entitled to compensation if it is proved that someone has been negligent.

If you’ve been involved in a non-fault passenger accident in the last three years, call Winns today to start a claim on 0800 988 6288, or try our online Live Chat facility for no-obligation advice.

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