Passengers often assume they have fewer rights after a car accident, but that’s rarely true. In Mississippi, passengers injured in crashes typically have stronger claims because they usually bear no responsibility for causing the collision.
Injured passengers may file claims against:
- The driver of the vehicle they were riding in
- Another negligent driver involved in the crash
- Multiple drivers, if fault is shared
Passengers can recover compensation for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and long-term injuries just like drivers. Claims may be filed against the at-fault driver’s insurance policy or, in some cases, through uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage.
One challenge passengers face is the emotional difficulty of filing claims against friends or family members. However, claims are typically handled through insurance — not personal assets — and are often necessary to cover medical costs.
Passengers are often surprised to learn they may have access to multiple insurance policies. Depending on the circumstances, a passenger may file a claim against the driver of the vehicle they were riding in, the other at-fault driver, or both. In some cases, passengers may also be covered under their own uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage.
This layered coverage can be especially important when injuries are serious. Medical expenses, physical therapy, and time away from work can quickly exceed the limits of a single insurance policy. Understanding how these policies interact helps ensure that injured passengers are not left covering costs out of pocket.
Passengers should be cautious when speaking with insurance companies, even when the adjuster seems friendly or supportive. Statements can be recorded and later used to challenge injury severity or treatment decisions. Passengers benefit from taking the same careful approach as drivers—documenting injuries, preserving records, and avoiding speculation about fault.
In Mississippi, passengers have a clear legal right to pursue compensation when someone else’s negligence causes harm. Protecting that right early prevents insurance companies from limiting recovery later.