Have you recently been hurt because you were in someone else’s car in an accident? If so, you are probably concerned about what rights, if any, you maintain. This is a common question for an injured passenger in a vehicle.

It is a very uncomfortable situation to be hurt in a California car accident when a friend or a loved one was behind the wheel. As a passenger in a vehicle, you might not know whether or not you want to sue your friend.

Whether or not this person was responsible for the accident or whether somebody else was the one who ultimately caused it, you have the right to consider your personal injury claim eligibility by consulting with an attorney. Did you know that passengers have more rights than a driver in vehicle accidents?

An injured passenger might have rights and the driver might retain none. If the driver behind the wheel of the car in which you were a passenger is at fault for the accident, this does not block you from recovering full and fair compensation.

You may sue the driver of the car you were riding in, the other driver or both. This is especially important if, while as a passenger in a vehicle, you have sustained catastrophic injuries that lead to major expenses like lost wages, medical expenses, and pain and suffering. This is really important in cases in which your injuries and appropriate costs are higher than the insurance policy limits of each driver. In certain situations, you could sue both drivers and receive full compensation for your damages, or at least the maximum allowed under both insurance policies. Since the insurance laws in California can be complex, it’s recommended that you consult with an experienced attorney who has practiced in this field for years.