Did you get in a vehicle accident because of a passenger’s negligence in West Palm Beach, FL? If a passenger in your car was acting carelessly or behaving inappropriately, don’t underestimate their role in the crash. When someone else caused you to wreck, they could be on the hook for your medical bills, lost wages, and emotional trauma.
Call on Hollander Law Firm Accident Injury Lawyers at (561) 556-7873 or contact us here to learn more about your legal options. Since 1996, we’ve been helping people throughout South Florida recover the compensation they deserve after suffering in accidents caused by others. We put nearly three decades of experience in personal injury law behind your fight for justice.
We’ve recovered tens of millions of dollars in life-changing financial awards for accident victims. We offer free consultations, so call today to talk with an award-winning West Palm Beach car accident attorney. We’re here 24/7.
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How Hollander Law Firm Accident Injury Lawyers Can Help After a Car Accident in West Palm Beach, FL
On top of debilitating injuries, mounting medical bills, and missing work, you are probably at a loss for what to do next to get things back on track after your car accident. Our legal team will handle everything from start to finish. You can rest with the confidence that we’re doing everything we can to get the money you deserve.
When you hire our experienced West Palm Beach personal injury lawyers, we’ll:
- File all necessary claims to preserve your right to compensation
- Investigate the accident, interview the passenger, and collect evidence to support your claim for damages
- Review your medical bills to determine the extent of your injuries and calculate your damages accordingly
- Negotiate with insurance companies for a fair settlement
- Represent you in court, if necessary
There may be multiple insurance companies involved, and the case could get messy. We keep you out of difficult interactions and tense situations. We often have success with settlements before trial.
But we’re never afraid to take a case to verdict if the insurance company fails to offer what your case is worth. If we have to take your case to court, we prepare you for everything and make sure you know what to expect. Contact our West Palm Beach, Florida law office today to learn more.
When Can a Passenger Be Held Liable for a Car Wreck in West Palm Beach, FL?
If the passenger’s actions were the cause of the crash, a passenger can be held financially responsible for the damage caused. Most car accidents are caused by negligence, and it’s usually the driver of one or more vehicles involved who’s to blame.
But whoever contributed to the cause of the crash–even if that’s the passenger–can be held liable. Whether your passenger is an Uber or Lyft fare, relative, friend, or co-worker, they must be respectful and let you concentrate on driving when they’re in your car.
A passenger might be held liable if they:
- Showed the driver something on their phone
- Grabbed the steering wheel
- Threw something at the driver
- Were loud or unruly
- Argued with the driver or other passengers
- Provided the driver with drugs or alcohol or encouraged the driver to drive under the influence
- Encouraged the driver to speed, run a red light, or disobey other traffic laws
Passenger liability is complicated. Ultimately, you were driving, so you might share some of the responsibility. But it’s not fair for you to take all the blame if your passenger was a key factor in your crash.
Can My Passenger Sue Me After a Crash in West Palm Beach, FL?
If your passenger was also injured, they might be seeking compensation from you after the accident. They might file a claim against your insurance company, or they might file a lawsuit. If passenger negligence caused the crash, you need a good West Palm Beach personal injury attorney to protect your rights and fight on your behalf.
Florida follows a modified comparative negligence rule when it comes to shared liability. That means that compensation is apportioned according to each party’s share of responsibility for the accident.
If you were in a single-vehicle crash, it might be a matter of dividing liability between you and your passenger. However, if another vehicle was involved, we’ll need to determine the liability of all parties. It’s always a good idea to hire a skilled attorney as soon as possible after your wreck. Early investigations preserve evidence and lock down witness statements.
Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Car Crash Lawyer in West Palm Beach
Did a passenger cause you to get in an accident? If so, they need to be held accountable for the harm they caused. Our West Palm Beach car accident attorneys are standing by to help you with the next steps.
We have the experience, training, and dedication to win–we’ve recovered tens of millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts throughout Florida. We’re committed to achieving the best outcome in your case. Contact us today to schedule a free case evaluation.
Other Car Accident Claims We Cover
- Multi-vehicle accidents
- Road rage accidents
- Seatbelt injuries
- Accidents due to road defects
- Distracted driving accidents
- Head-on crashes
- Rideshare accidents
- U-Turn accidents