Could a Passenger be Responsible for a Car Accident?

April 12, 2021

A passenger can be responsible for a car accident, but this depends on the state and the severity of the injuries. This can be difficult to prove as well. Drivers hold the primary responsibility for the safety of a vehicle, and the best way to ensure the safety of the vehicle is to avoid accidents. Due to this responsibility, the driver is considered responsible for the safety of the passengers.

Most accidents are the result of negligent driving, and most passengers have little to no responsibility for accidents. Negligent driving includes distracted driving, drunk driving, and other dangerous behaviors. These instances are generally easy to prove, police can check a phone, navigational device, and find out if a driver is intoxicated. Sometimes, the behavior of a passenger is the cause of an accident, and blame might be shared between the driver and passenger.

It is harder to prove that a passenger caused the crash. For this reason, if a passenger’s actions caused a collision, the victim should seek the advice of a car accident lawyer who can help prove what actually happened.

Negligent Actions of Passengers

It may be the case where the passenger shares some of the blame or contributed to an accident, such as a passenger engaging in an argument with the driver, causing the motorist’s focus to drift from the road. Distractions are abundant, and the driver is still responsible for their actions.

If a passenger puts their hands on the steering and an accident happens, they may be liable for severe injuries and damages. Once the passenger’s hands go onto the steering wheel, they may be considered as the driver. There are plenty of other ways that passengers can contribute to accidents.

Proving Liability

A knowledgeable lawyer can help prove liability. With attention to detail and thorough examination, a lawyer can help recreate what happened in a way that will let the court and the insurance companies know that the passenger caused the collision. For instance, if the driver became distracted because one passenger physically attacked another, the negligent passenger may be partially responsible. The driver may have marks on their body from an irrational passenger. There could be scratch marks or a burn mark from a hot coffee spilled by a passenger. These marks can provide evidence for a claim.

Speak to a Lawyer

A car accident lawyer is adept at handling all kinds of car accident cases. Most accidents are the result of driver negligence, but a passenger may be partially at fault in some circumstances. In cases of passenger negligence, drivers may be able to recover damages.

Philadelphia Car Accident Lawyers at Nerenberg Law Associates, P.C. Help Determine Liability in Complicated Collision Cases

A passenger can cause an accident, but establishing fault can be difficult. If you were involved in an accident because of a negligent passenger, a Philadelphia car accident lawyer at Nerenberg Law Associates, P.C. will determine if you are eligible to collect damages. Call us at 215-569-9100 or contact us online for a free consultation. Located in Philadelphia, we serve clients throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey.