Can A Passenger Ever Be Held Liable for A Car Accident?
Can a passenger ever be held liable for a car accident?
Under the law, a passenger who is injured in an auto accident may be able to recover compensation from the driver or owner of a vehicle, as well as from any other responsible parties. So, can a passenger ever be held liable for an accident? In most cases, no. However, there are situations in which a passenger can be found to have contributed to the cause of the accident. This usually occurs when the passenger's actions or inactions caused or contributed to the severity of injuries suffered by him/herself or others. Examples include passengers who:
*assist with driving, such as when they hold maps, adjust mirrors/seatbelts, etc.
*are intoxicated and act as distractions to the driver
*jump out of moving vehicles
*refuse to use safety restraints
*use handheld devices while driving
In each case above, a passenger could be potentially liable for contributing to the cause of an accident and/or his/her injuries, and losses resulting therefrom. The circumstances of each case will determine whether that liability is shared with another party (such as a driver) or is born solely by the passenger. If you were injured in a car accident and you were a passenger at the time, it's important that you understand your rights and responsibilities
If you have any questions or need a Car Accident Lawyer, please call this law firm for a free consultation.
Ascent Law LLC
8833 S Redwood Road Suite C
West Jordan UT 84088
(801) 676-5506
