An estimated 1.66 million people in the United States were injured in motor vehicle collisions in 2023. These figures include everything from minor cuts to significant injuries, including nearly 41,000 deaths (according to the NHTSA). Even in the relatively small state of Connecticut, there were 322 fatalities due to auto crashes last year. While a majority of those injured or killed were drivers, approximately 24% were passengers in another’s vehicle.
What rights do passengers have to compensation when injured?
Connecticut is an at-fault state, which means the insurer for the driver who caused the crash (or contributed to it) must compensate the victims. For passengers who are injured or their families (if they are deceased), there are several potential sources of recovery, depending on the circumstances of the crash. These may include:
- The driver of the vehicle: If the driver of the car in which the passenger was riding was negligent or at fault for the collision, the injured passenger or his/her family could file a lawsuit against that driver.
- Another driver involved in the crash: If another driver was responsible, the injured passenger or his/her family could file a lawsuit against that driver.
- Vehicle manufacturer or parts manufacturer: If the crash was caused by a defect in the vehicle or one of its parts, the injured passenger or his/her family could potentially file a lawsuit against the manufacturer of the vehicle or the defective part.
- Government entity: If a preventable road hazard caused the crash, such as poor maintenance or improper signage, the injured passenger or his/her family might be able to file a lawsuit against the government entity responsible for maintaining that road.
- Employer: If the driver of the car or truck was on the job at the time of the collision, the injured passenger or his/her family might be able to file a lawsuit against the driver’s employer.
Insurance coverage matters
Some may feel awkward about filing a lawsuit against a friend, family member or colleague. However, if that person had insurance, the company will likely pay damages for the harm caused. The amount of insurance coverage, and who might be at fault, are complex issues, so it’s important for victims or loved ones to discuss the details of their case with a personal injury attorney who handles motor vehicle crashes here in Connecticut.
