Passenger Rights: What Happens If You’re Injured in a Friend’s Car Accident?

Most people know what to do if they’re the driver in a car accident, but what if you’re a passenger injured in a crash? In South Carolina, passengers often face confusion about their rights, especially if the accident was caused by a friend or family member behind the wheel.

The good news is that passengers have the same right to seek compensation as drivers do — even if the at-fault driver is someone they know. Here’s what you should understand about your rights after being injured as a passenger in a car accident.

Who Pays for Passenger Injuries in South Carolina?

As a passenger, you usually don’t share fault for the accident, which means you may have a strong claim for compensation. Depending on the circumstances, your recovery may come from:

• The driver of another vehicle (if they were at fault)

• Your driver’s insurance policy (if your friend or family member was at fault)

• Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage (if the at-fault driver doesn’t have enough insurance)

  
  

An experienced South Carolina car accident lawyer can help you determine which insurance policies apply to your case.

Can You File a Claim Against a Friend or Family Member?

Many passengers feel uncomfortable filing a claim when a friend or relative caused the crash. But keep in mind:

• You are typically filing a claim against their insurance company, not the driver personally.

• Insurance exists for this very reason — to cover medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages from accidents.

• Without pursuing a claim, you could be left with overwhelming medical bills and long-term financial struggles.

  
  

Common Passenger Injuries in Car Accidents

Passengers often suffer the same types of injuries as drivers, including:

• Whiplash and neck injuries

• Broken bones

• Concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)

• Back and spinal cord injuries

• Cuts, bruises, and internal injuries

  
  

Even seemingly minor injuries can develop into serious problems, making it important to seek medical attention right away.

What to Do After Being Injured as a Passenger

If you’re injured in a South Carolina car accident as a passenger, take these steps:

1. Seek medical care immediately — your health comes first.

2. Document the accident with photos and witness information.

3. Get insurance details from all drivers involved.

4. Avoid speaking with insurance adjusters before consulting an attorney.

5. Contact a passenger injury lawyer to protect your rights.

   
   

Protecting Passenger Rights in South Carolina

Being injured in a car accident is stressful, especially when the driver is someone you know. But you don’t have to handle the aftermath alone. At Davis & Snyder, our dedicated Greenville personal injury lawyers help clients navigate the insurance process, protect their rights, and pursue the compensation they deserve.

Call us today for a free consultation with a car accident lawyer in Greenville if you were injured as a passenger. We’ll help

you understand your options and fight for your recovery.