Car Passenger Compensation
A car accident passenger claim can usually be made if you were injured while travelling in a vehicle and somebody else was responsible for the collision. This applies even if the driver of the car you were in caused the accident.
Drivers owe passengers a duty of due care to keep them reasonably safe on the road, and where that duty has been breached, compensation may be available through a no win no fee claim.
Being injured as a passenger can leave you dealing with pain, stress, financial pressure and uncertainty about what happens next. Many people are also unsure whether they can claim if the driver was a friend, partner or family member. In most situations, the claim is made against the driver’s insurance company rather than the individual personally.
If you were injured as a passenger in a road traffic accident, contact Tylers Solicitors today on 0800 699 0079 for straightforward advice about your options.
Passenger in Car Accident Claims
Whether you were injured due to the driver’s negligence or the negligence of another road user, we can help you with a passenger injury claim. Tylers Solicitors remains one of the UK’s leading providers of no-win, no-fee RTA compensation claims.
If you want compensation after being injured as a passenger, our experienced team is here to support you. Get in touch for more information.
Can You Claim Compensation As A Passenger In A Car Accident?
Passengers are almost never considered responsible for a road traffic accident. If another person caused the collision, you will usually be entitled to make a passenger in a car accident claim for your injuries and related losses.
This applies whether you were travelling:
- In a private car
- In a taxi
- In an Uber or rideshare vehicle
- With a friend or family member
- In a work vehicle
Drivers owe passengers a legal duty of care. This means they must drive safely, follow road traffic laws and take reasonable steps to avoid putting passengers at risk.
You can usually make a claim if:
- Another road user caused the collision
- The driver of the vehicle you were travelling in caused the accident
- Multiple drivers shared responsibility
- The accident happened within the last three years
There are some exceptions to the three year time limit, particularly for children and people who do not currently have capacity to manage their own legal affairs.
If you are unsure whether you are eligible to claim, speak to a Tylers RTA solicitor today.
What Can I Claim Following Whiplash As A Passenger?
Can I Claim Against A Friend Or Family Member Who Was Driving?
This is the biggest concern for many passengers after a collision.
A lot of people hesitate to make a passenger compensation claim because the driver was somebody they know personally. They worry that making a claim will leave the driver financially responsible or damage their relationship.
In most cases, the claim is made against the driver’s insurer rather than the individual themselves.
The driver does not personally receive a compensation bill. Motor insurance exists specifically to deal with situations where somebody is injured in a road traffic accident.
If the driver was insured at the time of the collision, the insurer normally deals with the compensation claim.
This applies whether the driver was:
- A friend
- A parent or family member
- A partner
- A colleague
- Somebody giving you a lift home
You may also still be able to claim if the driver was over the legal alcohol limit or under the influence of drugs. However, if you knowingly accepted a lift from somebody you knew was intoxicated, this could affect the amount of compensation awarded. If you had no reason to believe the driver was impaired, this should not prevent you from making a claim.
Many passengers avoid seeking legal advice because they feel uncomfortable about the situation. Speaking with a solicitor early can help you understand exactly how the process works and who the claim is actually made against.
Who Do You Make A Passenger Compensation Claim Against?
Who pays compensation depends on the circumstances of the accident.
The At Fault Driver Is Insured
Most passenger claims are made against the insurer of the driver responsible for the collision.
This could be:
- The driver of the vehicle you were travelling in
- Another driver involved in the accident
- Multiple drivers where liability is shared
At Tylers Solicitors, we will handle all communication with the insurer on your behalf.
The Driver Was Uninsured Or Cannot Be Traced
You may still be able to claim compensation if the at fault driver was uninsured or cannot be identified.
In these situations, claims are often handled through the Motor Insurers Bureau. The MIB is funded by UK motor insurers and exists to compensate people injured by uninsured or untraced drivers.
Around 26,000 people are injured by uninsured drivers in the UK each year.
Hit & Run Passenger Claims
If the driver responsible for the accident left the scene, you may still be able to make a claim through the MIB.
It is important to report hit and run accidents to the police as soon as possible. This helps preserve evidence and supports your claim.
What Can You Claim Compensation For As A Car Passenger?
Passenger compensation claims are usually split into two parts: general damages and special damages.
General damages relate to the injury itself and the effect it has had on your life. This may include:
- Whiplash injuries
- Neck injuries
- Head injuries
- Facial injuries
- Chest injuries
- Broken bones
- Psychological injuries including anxiety and PTSD
- Serious brain or spinal injuries
Special damages relate to financial losses caused by the accident. Depending on your circumstances, this may include:
- Loss of earnings
- Medical treatment costs
- Rehabilitation expenses
- Prescription charges
- Travel costs
- Care and support costs
- Damaged personal belongings
For wider information about vehicle-related compensation claims, you can also visit our car crash claims page and broader road traffic accident claims hub.
How Much Compensation Can A Passenger Receive?
The amount of compensation available depends on the seriousness of the injuries, how long recovery takes and the financial impact the accident has had on your life.
Compensation is usually assessed using the Judicial College Guidelines alongside medical evidence and proof of financial losses.
Compensation For Facial Injuries
Passengers can suffer facial injuries from shattered glass, dashboard impact or airbag deployment.
Compensation for facial injuries can range from around £3,950 for relatively minor injuries to more than £91,350 where there is significant scarring or permanent disfigurement.
Compensation For Head Injuries & Brain Damage
Head injuries are among the most serious injuries seen in passenger compensation claims.
Minor head injuries may attract compensation in the low thousands, while severe brain injuries involving long term disability can exceed £493,000 depending on the impact on the claimant’s life.
Compensation For Neck Injuries & Whiplash
Whiplash and neck injuries are extremely common in passenger in car crash claims.
Under the whiplash reforms introduced in 2021, lower value whiplash injuries are now subject to a fixed tariff system for claims worth under £5,000.
Current whiplash tariff awards range from around £240 for injuries lasting up to three months to more than £4,000 for longer lasting injuries involving psychological harm.
More serious neck injuries that fall outside the tariff system can attract significantly higher compensation awards.
Compensation For Chest Injuries
Passengers may suffer fractured ribs, breathing complications and internal injuries following a serious collision.
Compensation for chest injuries can range from around £4,820 for relatively minor injuries to more than £183,000 for severe injuries involving permanent damage.
Any financial losses are normally calculated separately and added on top of injury compensation.
You can also use our compensation calculator for a rough estimate before speaking with our solicitors.
How To Claim As A Car Accident Passenger
The claims process is usually much more straightforward than many passengers expect.
1. Seek Medical Attention
Your health should always come first after an accident. Medical records also form an important part of your claim evidence.
Even injuries that initially seem minor can develop into longer term symptoms later.
2. Gather Evidence
If possible, collect:
- Photos of the accident scene
- Vehicle registration details
- Driver insurance details
- Witness contact information
- Dashcam or CCTV footage
Keep records of any expenses or financial losses connected to the accident.
3. Contact Tylers Solicitors
Our team will assess your passenger injury claim during a free consultation and explain whether you are likely to be eligible for compensation.
4. No Win No Fee Agreement
If we take on your case, we will usually do so on a no win no fee basis.
This means you do not pay upfront legal fees. If your claim succeeds, a legally capped percentage is deducted from the compensation.
We handle all communication and negotiation with the insurer on your behalf.
5. Settlement
Most passenger injury claims settle without going to court.
Our team will negotiate to secure compensation that properly reflects your injuries, recovery period and financial losses.
Need more information? Don’t worry, one of our professional claims solicitors will advise you along the way
Contact us on 0800 699 0079 or via our online contact form to start your claim today!
How much compensation could I receive as a passenger in a car accident?
The amount of compensation you could claim as a passenger in an RTA depends on the severity of your injuries. Usually, the more serious your injuries, the more compensation you can claim.
Curious about how much compensation you could receive as a passenger in a car accident? Get in touch with our legal experts today, or use our RTA passenger compensation calculator below.
Compensation amounts for facial injuries in a car accident
You could suffer facial injuries due to hitting the dashboard, or due to lacerations caused by broken glass. This range covers minor scarring to significant facial disfigurement.
Average compensation amount: From £3,950 to £91,350+
Compensation amounts for head injuries and brain damage in a car accident
Head injuries, particularly those with associated brain damage, are some of the most serious injuries you could suffer in a RTA. They can be extremely painful and life-threatening and may even have a long-term impact on your life. This range covers minor head injuries to severe brain damage.
Average compensation amount: From £2,690 to £493,000+
Compensation amounts for neck injuries and whiplash in a car accident
Whiplash and other neck injuries are also extremely common when it comes to being a passenger in a road traffic accident. You may be left with severe neck injuries and high grades of whiplash. This range covers minor whiplash to severe neck injuries.
Average compensation amount: From £4,350 to £139,210+
Compensation amounts for chest injuries in a car accident
In a serious car accident, you may be left with painful chest injuries. These are often associated with injuries to your internal organs. If you’ve been involved in a road traffic accident as a passenger, you could suffer all kinds of chest injuries, including fractured ribs and punctured lungs. This range includes minor chest injuries to severe chest injuries.
Average compensation amount: From £4,820 to £183,190+
Why Choose Tylers Solicitors For Your Passenger Compensation Claim?
At Tylers Solicitors, we understand that passengers often feel uncertain about their rights after a road traffic accident, particularly when the driver was somebody they know personally.
Our experienced team handles passenger compensation claims across the UK and supports clients through every stage of the process.
When you work with Tylers Solicitors, you will benefit from:
- No win no fee representation
- Free initial consultations
- National coverage from Greater Manchester
- SRA regulated solicitors
- Independent medical assessment support
- Direct communication throughout your claim
We also explain the claims process clearly from the beginning, including who the claim is actually made against and what compensation may include.
For related claims and services, visit our:
Speak To Tylers Solicitors About Your Passenger Injury Claim
If you were injured while travelling as a passenger in a vehicle, contact Tylers Solicitors today for straightforward advice about making a claim.
You can call our team on 0800 699 0079, email us at info@tylerssolicitors.co.uk, or fill in our online contact form.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to claim for car passenger injury compensation?
As with most RTAs and physical injuries, you have up to three years to begin your compensation claim. As your legal claim starts within these three years, you should be entitled to claim compensation.
If you’re unsure whether you’re eligible to make a compensation claim, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team at Tylers Solicitors today.
What can I claim for as a passenger in a car accident?
As a passenger injured in a car accident, you can claim compensation for physical injuries like minor cuts, bruises, fractures, and head trauma. You may also be eligible to claim for emotional distress, plus any financial losses like wages, medical expenses, and travel costs.
What If The Driver Was Uninsured Or Drove Off?
You may still be able to claim compensation through the Motor Insurers Bureau. Hit and run accidents should be reported to the police as soon as possible.
How Much Money Can A Passenger In A Car Accident Get In The UK?
Compensation varies depending on the severity of the injuries and the wider financial impact of the accident. Minor whiplash claims may attract a few hundred pounds, while serious passenger injuries can result in substantial six figure settlements.
Can I make a claim if the driver of the car I was in caused the accident?
As a passenger, you have the right to claim compensation even if the driver of the car you were in caused the accident. Passengers are rarely deemed at fault for road traffic accidents, so your claim would be directed at the driver’s insurance company.
We can guide you through the process and help ensure you receive the compensation you deserve
Can I Claim Against A Friend Or Family Member Who Was Driving?
Yes. The claim is normally made against the driver’s insurance company rather than the individual personally.
How To Claim For Whiplash As A Passenger?
Whiplash claims are supported using medical evidence confirming the injury and expected recovery period. Tylers Solicitors can assist with both lower value tariff claims and more serious whiplash injuries.
Can I Still Claim If I Wasn't Wearing A Seatbelt?
You may still be entitled to compensation. However, the final award could sometimes be reduced if your injuries were made worse by not wearing a seatbelt.
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