Passenger Negligence

You may be the safest driver you know, but even if you’ve never been in an accident, a passenger in your car may cause a distraction that leads to an accident. If this happens to you, you have legal recourse to file charges and collect damages. While you should always rely on the given information from a personal injury lawyer in car accidents, choose a passenger accident lawyer when the accident truly wasn’t your fault. Call the best passenger assault attorneys at RAM Law in New Jersey to tap into their useful skills and get the compensation you deserve when you’re in a passenger-caused car accident.

What Is Passenger Negligence?

Passenger negligence is the failure of a passenger to act with reasonable care when riding in a vehicle or using transportation services. Other than causing rear-end accidents it can also lead the driver to be involved in a hit-and-run accident or most commonly speeding accidents. If passenger negligence contributes to an accident or injury, the negligent passenger may be held accountable for the damages or injuries caused by their acts. This neglect contributes to accidents in many ways, such as:

• Distracting the driver
• Interfering with vehicle controls
• Not wearing seat belts
• Interfering with the driver’s view
• Throwing things into the vehicle or at the driver

Whether you’re riding in a personal car or SUV, or in big commercial trucks like tractor-trailers or 18-wheeler trucks, the damage can be devastating. This neglect can also end in pedestrian accidents as passengers who interfere with the driver’s view, either by blocking windows or distracting them, make it difficult for the driver to see pedestrians crossing the street or walking along the roadside.

In such cases where the passenger caused the accident, you as a driver could be entitled to compensation, but you really need the help of a car accident attorney. A passenger assault lawyer assists with all the legal complications and formalities. RAM Law in NJ is a legal practice that has a variety of the best passenger assault attorneys in your area. Whether serving in the capacity of passenger accident attorney or personal injury lawyer, these experienced accident professionals:

• Fight for the best compensation for you
• Investigate the accident thoroughly
• Handle everything with the insurance company

What Legal Recourse Do I Have if a Passenger Contributed to an Accident?

If passengers cause an accident while traveling in a car, the driver’s legal options may be determined by the specifics of the event and the laws of the jurisdiction in which it occurred. Some general principles include:

• If passengers cause an accident through behaviors such as distraction or interference, the driver may file a claim for carelessness.
• Depending on the policy terms and jurisdictional regulations, the driver’s insurance policy may cover passenger-caused damage.
• Some jurisdictions apply laws for joint fault, which may limit the driver’s ability to recover damages.
• Extreme examples of passenger behavior may result in criminal charges.
• Drivers might think about filing civil lawsuits against passengers seeking compensation for injuries or property damage.

A passenger can be held partially responsible for damages. For example, if a passenger distracts the driver by participating in risky activity, such as gripping the steering wheel or covering the driver’s eyes and the distraction causes an accident, the passenger may share liability for the damages. The degree of liability will be assessed by the courts or insurance companies based on the evidence given, which is why you need to rely on a lawyer who’s worked with people when a passenger caused car accident damages.

Why Do I Need the Assistance of a Passenger Accident Lawyer?

Drivers in New Jersey may require the services of a passenger accident lawyer due to the state’s comparative negligence regulations. These claims can be difficult to prove. RAM Law’s experienced passenger negligence accident lawyer can help you navigate the rules, which include:

• In New Jersey’s no-fault system, a lawyer assists drivers in filing claims against their insurance or seeking compensation from the passenger’s insurance or through a lawsuit.
• A lawyer ensures that all legal deadlines are completed, allowing the driver to seek compensation within New Jersey’s time frame for bringing litigation after a car accident.
• Skilled lawyers gather critical evidence to prove negligence, such as police reports and medical records, to help the driver’s case.
• When insurers dispute liability or provide inadequate settlements, lawyers engage with them to obtain reasonable reimbursement.

Getting evidence is an important element of defending the claim. A lawyer plays an important role in gathering evidence after an accident caused by passenger negligence. It should be important for you as a driver to let your lawyer handle it, because:

• Lawyers conduct thorough investigations, obtaining evidence from a variety of sources, including witness testimony and knowledgeable views.
• They guarantee important evidence is collected and maintained as soon as possible after the accident, which supports your case.
• Lawyers have access to resources, such as accident reconstruction specialists.
• They offer advice on how to successfully present evidence in court.

Thoroughly collected evidence ensures fairness in court processes and strengthens the driver’s position when negotiating with insurance companies. Evidence gathering is important because it:

• Proves liability
• Maximizes compensation
• Safeguards your legal interests
• Defends against claims
• Presents a compelling case

What Should I Do to Seek Compensation if the Accident Is Caused by a Passenger’s Negligence?

If you’re a driver who’s been involved in a passenger-caused car accident with damages, you need to follow certain steps to seek compensation, some of which include:

1. Documenting the situation thoroughly, to cover everything your passenger did to interfere with safety
2. Seeking immediate medical attention
3. Reporting the accident to your insurance company, including the passenger’s role
4. Collecting proof, such as medical records, witness statements and photos
5. Seeking advice from a personal injury lawyer who specializes in passenger negligence cases
6. Preparing for court proceedings, following the guidance of your passenger assault lawyer

Getting appropriate compensation can be a lengthy process that drains your energy, so try to avoid such situations. But drivers cannot fully control the actions of their passengers. Some efforts you can take to reduce the danger of passenger negligence resulting in accidents include:

• Before starting on your journey, establish clear expectations regarding passenger behavior.
• Exhibit proper driving behaviors by following traffic laws, avoiding distractions and concentrating on the road.
• If a passenger engages in distracting conduct, such as loud talk or using electronic devices, respectfully request that they stop or pull over until it’s safe to go, asking them to leave the vehicle if they refuse.
• Ensure that unsecured objects inside the vehicle are appropriately secured to avoid becoming projectiles.
• Familiarize passengers with emergency protocols, such as how to get out of the vehicle in the event of an accident.
• When possible, avoid driving with passengers who are known to exhibit unsafe or distracted conduct.

Accident & Injury Lawyers at Rebenack, Aronow & Mascolo, L.L.P. Help Injured Clients Recover Compensation

The effects of an accident can linger long after the crash, especially if you suffer serious injuries. If a negligent driver has injured you, work with Rebenack, Aronow & Mascolo, L.L.P. Our skilled car accident lawyers will help you put your life back on course. To schedule a free consultation, call us today at 732-247-3600 or complete our online form. Located in New Brunswick, Somerville, and Freehold, New Jersey, we serve clients in Middlesex County, Monmouth County, and Somerset County.