What to Do If You’re Injured as a Passenger in a Texas Car Accident

Being involved in a car accident is always stressful — but when you’re a passenger, it can be even more confusing. You weren’t behind the wheel, you didn’t cause the crash, and yet you may still be dealing with painful injuries, medical bills, and lost income.

At the Law Office of Silverio Martinez, we help injured passengers across Texas understand their rights and recover full compensation after an accident. Whether you were riding with a friend, family member, or in a rideshare vehicle, you have the right to hold the responsible parties accountable for your injuries.

Your health should be your first priority. Even if you feel “fine” right after the collision, it’s important to get checked by a doctor as soon as possible. Many serious injuries — like concussions, whiplash, and internal bleeding — may not show symptoms right away.

Having medical documentation also strengthens your case. Insurance companies often dispute injury claims that aren’t supported by prompt treatment. So be sure to:

If you’re physically able, collect the following details at the scene:

If you were transported to a hospital, don’t worry — your attorney can later request the police report and gather this information on your behalf.

In Texas, passengers can usually file a claim against the at-fault driver, regardless of which vehicle they were in. Depending on the situation, this could include:

If both drivers share responsibility, you may have claims against both insurance policies. Texas uses a “modified comparative negligence” rule, meaning each party is responsible for their percentage of fault.

(For a detailed explanation, read our post on Comparative Negligence in Texas Personal Injury Cases.)

Most passenger claims are made through auto insurance, not directly against the driver personally. Depending on the circumstances, your claim may involve:

If multiple insurers are involved, things can quickly become complex. Having a lawyer ensures that every available policy is identified and that insurers don’t shift blame to avoid payment.

Soon after the accident, insurance adjusters may start calling to “check in” or ask for a recorded statement. Remember — their job is to minimize the company’s payout, not to help you.

Before giving any statement or signing any document, talk to an attorney. A single wrong phrase can hurt your claim. At the Law Office of Silverio Martinez, we handle all communication with insurers for our clients, making sure your rights are protected from the start.

As an injured passenger, you may qualify for several types of compensation under Texas personal injury law, including:

In cases of severe or permanent injury, your lawyer may also pursue long-term compensation for disability, disfigurement, or loss of consortium.

If you were riding in a rideshare vehicle, additional insurance coverage may apply. Uber and Lyft carry $1 million in liability coverage for passengers when a ride is in progress. Your attorney can determine whether the driver’s personal policy or the company’s commercial policy applies.

It’s common to feel hesitant about filing a claim if your friend or relative was driving. Remember: you’re filing against their insurance, not suing them personally. This is exactly why drivers carry insurance — to protect passengers in case of an accident.

If several passengers were hurt and the at-fault driver’s insurance coverage isn’t enough to cover everyone’s damages, your attorney can help pursue additional recovery options such as UM/UIM coverage or excess liability policies.

Under the Texas Statute of Limitations, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. However, it’s best to take action as soon as possible while evidence and witness statements are fresh.

If a government vehicle or public employee was involved (such as a city bus or government worker), special notice deadlines may apply — sometimes as short as six months.

Accident cases involving passengers often involve multiple insurance companies and disputed liability. A local attorney familiar with Texas law and the courts in Webb County can make a significant difference in your outcome.

At the Law Office of Silverio Martinez, we investigate every detail of your case, handle all negotiations, and fight to secure maximum compensation on your behalf. Our firm has built a reputation in Laredo for dedicated advocacy and successful results — whether against insurance companies, corporations, or negligent drivers.

If you’ve been injured as a passenger in a Texas car accident, you don’t have to navigate the process alone.
We’re here to help you understand your rights, manage your claim, and recover the compensation you deserve.

📞 Call 956-724-5047 or visit our Contact Page to schedule your free consultation today.
Let us help you get the justice and financial recovery you need to move forward.