Passenger Injury Claims Solicitors

Passenger injury claims allow injured passengers to seek compensation when they are hurt in a road traffic accident that was not their fault. This type of personal injury claim can be made by passengers injured in a car accident, taxi accident, bus collision, hit and run accident or crash involving a pillion passenger. A claim may be possible if a driver failed to drive safely, used a handheld mobile phone, ignored road safety advice, or otherwise failed to meet expected safety standards. Compensation may cover physical injuries, psychological harm, medical treatment, lost earnings and travel expenses. Accident Claims solicitors could help you pursue compensation on a No Win No Fee basis.

Being injured as a passenger can affect far more than your immediate recovery. You may be dealing with pain, reduced mobility, treatment appointments, lost income and anxiety about travelling again. If the at-fault driver was a friend or family member, you may also feel uncertain about pursuing a passenger accident claim. At Accident Claims, our trusted legal specialists have decades of combined solicitor experience and have secured over £100 million in compensation. 

You can contact us for a free consultation and advice about whether you have grounds to make a road traffic accident claim. If your case is suitable, our solicitors could help you pursue compensation through a No Win No Fee agreement, reducing the financial pressure of paying legal fees upfront whilst assisting with key stages of the claim, such as gathering evidence, arranging an independent medical assessment, valuing your injuries and financial losses, and communicating with insurers on your behalf. You can:

• Call us on 0800 073 8801.
• Contact us online.
• Open the live chat on your screen now. 

Select A Section

1. Who Can Make Passenger Injury Claims?
2. Can I Claim Passenger Injury Compensation After A Hit And Run Or Uninsured Driver Accident?
3. Common Passenger Injury Compensation Claim Examples
4. What Injuries Could Lead To Passenger Injury Claims?
5. How Much Passenger Injury Compensation Could I Claim?
6. Can Passenger Injury Claims Include Financial Losses?
7. Claiming Passenger Injury Compensation After A Fatal Accident
8. How Accident Claims Can Help With The Passenger Injury Claim Process
9. Passenger Injury Compensation With Accident Claims
10. Learn More

Who Can Make Passenger Injury Claims?

Passenger injury claims can be made by anyone who has been injured while travelling as a passenger and the accident was caused by another road user failing to drive safely. When assessing eligibility, our solicitors will consider how the accident happened and whether another road user’s actions caused your injuries.

In practice, this means following the rules and laws of both the Highway Code and Road Traffic Act 1988. When someone fails to meet these standards and causes a road traffic accident, they may be held liable for the injuries that result.

When someone fails to meet these standards and causes a road traffic accident, they may be held liable for the injuries that result. If a failure to drive safely caused your injuries as a passenger, you could be entitled to compensation, and our solicitors can assess the available evidence and identify the appropriate route for pursuing your claim.

Can I Claim Passenger Injury Compensation If I Was In The Car At Fault?

Yes, you can claim passenger injury compensation if the driver of the vehicle you were travelling in was at fault. As a passenger, you are not responsible for how the vehicle is driven and will not normally share liability for causing the accident.

What If A Friend Or Family Member Was Driving?

You can still make a passenger injury claim if the at-fault driver was a friend or family member. The fact that you know the driver does not affect your right to seek compensation for your injuries.

Road traffic accident claims are typically made against the relevant insurers rather than the individual themselves. This means a claim is handled through the driver’s insurance policy, allowing injured passengers to pursue the compensation they deserve without bringing legal action directly against a loved one.

Can I Make Passenger Injury Claims On Behalf Of A Loved One?

Yes, you can make passenger injury claims on behalf of a loved one if they are unable to pursue a claim for themselves. This applies in child car accident claims as well as where the injured person lacks the mental capacity to claim for themselves.

In these circumstances, a suitable adult can act on their behalf as a litigation friend throughout the claims process. A litigation friend makes decisions in the injured person’s best interests and helps manage the claim on their behalf. Our solicitors can explain who can act in this role and provide guidance on the steps involved in pursuing compensation for an injured loved one.

Contact us today to learn more about making passenger injury claims on behalf of a loved one.

Can I Claim Passenger Injury Compensation After A Hit And Run Or Uninsured Driver Accident?

Yes, you may still be able to claim passenger injury compensation if you were injured in a hit-and-run accident or an accident involving an uninsured driver by claiming through the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB). The MIB is a non-profit organisation comprising every vehicle insurer in the UK that tackles uninsured and hit-and-run driving. They can compensate you if you have been injured by an uninsured or untraceable driver.

If you have been injured in either of these circumstances, our advisors can provide further guidance on the claims process and explain how Accident Claims may be able to help you pursue compensation.

Common Passenger Injury Compensation Claim Examples

Passenger injury claims can arise in many different circumstances, such as car accidents, taxi accidents, or bus accidents. Below are some common examples of accidents where injured passengers could be entitled to compensation.

Car Passenger Injury Claims

You are travelling as a passenger in a car when the driver fails to stop at a red light and collides with another vehicle crossing the junction. Both vehicles are seriously damaged in the crash, and you sustain major injuries. Your leg was later amputated at the hospital. 

Taxi Passenger Injury Claims

While travelling in a taxi, the taxi driver becomes distracted by their mobile phone and rear-ends the vehicle in front while approaching stationary traffic. You suffer significant damage to your internal organs as a result of this due to seatbelt pressure. 

Bus Passenger Injury Claims

You are travelling on a bus when the driver brakes harshly after following another vehicle too closely. The sudden stop throws you from your seat, causing you to hit your head and sustain major brain damage. 

Motorcycle Passenger Injury Claims

You are travelling as a pillion passenger on a motorcycle when a car driver pulls out from a side road without checking that it is safe to do so. The motorcycle collides with the vehicle, and you suffer multiple fractures.

If you’re unsure whether you have grounds to claim, our advisors can review your circumstances and explain your options in clear, straightforward terms.

What Injuries Could Lead To Passenger Injury Claims?

A wide range of injuries could lead to passenger injury claims following a road traffic accident, including whiplash, broken bones, head and brain injuries, back and spinal injuries, psychological injuries and other serious injuries that affect your daily life. The severity of these injuries can vary significantly, from relatively minor soft tissue injuries to life-changing conditions that require ongoing care and support.

Common injuries that may form the basis of a passenger injury claim include:

• Whiplash injuries
• Broken bones and fractures
• Head and brain injuries
• Back and spinal injuries
• Psychological injuries, including anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Serious injuries, including paralysis and other life-changing conditions

If you have suffered any injury because of a road traffic accident that was not your fault, our advisors can assess your circumstances and explain whether you may be entitled to compensation.

Will The New Whiplash Tariffs Impact My Claim?

Yes, the whiplash tariffs can affect your claim by altering the way in which low-value injuries are valued. Introduced as part of The Whiplash Injury Regulations 2021, the tariffs set fixed compensation amounts for whiplash injuries sustained in certain road traffic accidents involving adults injured as a driver or passenger in England or Wales.

The tariffs apply specifically to minor injuries such as whiplash; however, passengers can still claim for additional injuries that fall outside the tariff system.  Our advisors can explain how the reforms may affect your whiplash claim and what compensation could be available.

How Much Passenger Injury Compensation Could I Claim?

The amount of passenger injury compensation you could claim depends on the severity of your injuries, the impact they have had on your life and any related financial losses, with compensation ranging from hundreds or thousands of pounds to substantial six-figure sums in the most serious cases. Our solicitors will determine an overall compensation figure under two separate heads of claim:

• Payouts for the actual injuries as well as any psychological effects are compensated under general damages.
• Special damages compensate for the financial impacts of the injuries.

Our solicitors will calculate your general damages by referring to your medical evidence alongside relevant compensation brackets from the Judicial College Guidelines (JCG). This publication contains guideline compensation figures for a broad range of injuries, a few of which we have used in the table below.

The contents of this table are intended to serve as guidance only. Please be aware that the top entry is not a JCG bracket. The bottom 2 entries have also been taken from the whiplash tariff.

Injury Type + Severity	Guideline Payout Amount	Notes
Multiple Very Severe Injuries with Special Damages	Up to £1,000,000+	Multiple very severe injuries together with substantial financial loss including lost income, medical expenses and the cost of care.
Brain Damage - Very Severe	£372,570 to £533,720	Little if any response to environment or language function requiring full time care
Brain Damage - Moderately Severe	£289,420 to £372,570	Very serious disability (including cognitive and physical impairments) with a substantial dependence on others.
Leg Amputation - Below-Knee Amputation of Both Legs	£266,200 to £356,840	Awards depend on the level of phantom pains, effects on remaining joints and the success of prosthesis.
Leg Amputation - Above-Knee Amputation of One Leg	£138,490 to £181,610	Similar factors to the above but also the height of the amputation will be considered.
Chest Injuries - Some Continuing Disability (c)	£41,370 to £72,440	Damage to the chest and lungs causing resulting in some continuing disability.
Traumatic Injury to Digestive System - Severe Damage (ii)	£22,180 to £36,680	Serious non-penetrating injuries with long-standing permanent complications.
Traumatic Injury to Digestive System - Penetrating Wounds (iii)	£8,730 to £16,640	Penetrating stab wounds, industrial lacerations and serious seat-belt pressure cases.
1+ Whiplash Injuries with 1+ Minor Psychological Injuries	£4,975	Injuries lasting between 18 months and 2 years
1+ Whiplash Injuries	£4,830	Injuries lasting between 18 months and 2 years

Can Passenger Injury Claims Include Financial Losses?

Yes, passenger injury claims can include compensation for financial losses caused by your injuries. These losses are known as special damages and can cover both expenses you have already incurred and financial losses you are likely to experience in the future as a result of your injuries. When valuing a claim, our solicitors can review the available evidence to ensure all relevant losses are taken into account.

Loss Of Earnings After A Passenger Injury

If your injuries prevent you from working, you may be able to claim compensation for lost earnings. This can include income lost during your recovery, as well as future loss of earnings where your ability to work has been affected long-term. Our solicitors can use evidence such as payslips, employment records and other financial documents to help calculate these losses.

Medical Expenses And Passenger Injury Compensation

You may be able to recover the cost of medical treatment required because of your injuries. This can include prescription charges, physiotherapy, counselling and other reasonable treatment expenses. Keeping receipts and invoices can help our solicitors include these costs as part of your claim.

Travel Costs

If you have needed to travel to medical appointments, rehabilitation sessions or other injury-related appointments, these costs may be recoverable. This can include public transport fares, fuel costs and parking charges.

Care And Support Costs

Compensation may be available where you have required assistance with everyday tasks during your recovery. This can include both professional care and support provided by friends or family members. Where appropriate, our solicitors can help identify and value the care and support you have reasonably needed because of your injuries.

Rehabilitation Costs

If your injuries require rehabilitation, you may be able to claim the associated costs. Rehabilitation can play an important role in supporting your recovery and helping you regain independence after an accident.

To recover special damages, you will need evidence of the losses you have experienced, such as payslips, receipts, invoices and bank statements. Our team can provide additional information on the evidence required and how your particular passenger injury claim might be valued.

Claiming Passenger Injury Compensation After A Fatal Accident

A fatal road traffic accident can have a devastating impact on those left behind. A fatal accident claim may be possible if a passenger died as a result of a road traffic accident caused by another party, with certain family members, dependants or the deceased’s estate potentially entitled to pursue a fatal accident claim.

• Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1934 – The deceased’s estate has the exclusive right to bring a claim within the first 6 months after death. The estate can claim compensation for the deceased’s pain and suffering, financial losses, as well as claim on behalf of any dependants.
• Fatal Accidents Act 1976 – If 6 months have passed and no claim has been made for them already, qualifying relatives can make a dependency claim. This could be due to financial dependence on the deceased, as well as the loss of services they provided, such as childcare, household maintenance, or other forms of practical support.

If you have lost a loved one in a road traffic accident and would like to learn more about seeking fatal accident compensation, our advisors can explain the options available and help you understand the next steps.

How Accident Claims Can Help With The Passenger Injury Claim Process

Bringing a passenger injury claim can feel daunting, particularly if you are recovering from injuries after a road traffic accident. Our solicitors can help assess your claim, identify the evidence needed and guide you through the process while you focus on your recovery.

We’ve set out the key steps here:

• Prioritise Your Health And Seek Medical Treatment – Medical treatment ensures your injuries are properly assessed and creates records that can support your claim.
• Exchange Vehicle And Insurance Details – Obtain the names, contact details, vehicle registration numbers and insurance information of all drivers involved.
• Gather Evidence From The Accident Scene – Photographs, dashcam recordings and witness details can help show how the accident happened. More examples can be found in our guide to the evidence needed for a personal injury claim.
• Report The Accident – Notify the relevant insurers and provide information to the police if they attend the scene.
• Keep Track Of How The Injuries Affect You – Keep records of your symptoms, treatment, recovery and any accident-related expenses.
• Speak To An Experienced Personal Injury Solicitor – Our solicitors can assess the available evidence, value your claim and communicate with insurers on your behalf.
• Check The Time Limit For Starting A Claim – Most road traffic accident claims must be started within 3 years, although exceptions can apply.

If you would like free guidance on the passenger injury claims process, contact Accident Claims today. Our solicitors can assess your circumstances, explain your options and advise whether you could be eligible to claim compensation.

Passenger Injury Compensation With Accident Claims

If you have been injured as a passenger in a road traffic accident, our solicitors can help you understand your legal options and pursue the compensation you deserve. With decades of combined experience and over £100 million secured in compensation, Accident Claims has the expertise needed to support you through every stage of the claims process.

Why Choose Accident Claims For Passenger Injury Claims?

You should choose to use us here at Accident Claims, as our solicitors provide comprehensive support throughout the passenger injury claims process, helping you build the strongest possible case for compensation. Some of the expert services we offer include:

• Obtaining evidence to support your claim, including accident reports, witness statements, CCTV footage and dashcam recordings.
• Arranging an independent medical assessment to establish the nature and extent of your passenger injuries.
• Calculating compensation for both your injuries and any related financial losses.
• Communicating with insurers and other parties involved in the claim on your behalf.
• Explaining your legal options and every stage of the claims process in clear, straightforward language.

Can Passenger Injury Claims Be Made On A No Win No Fee Basis?

Yes, passenger injury claims can be made on a No Win No Fee basis with our solicitors through a Conditional Fee Agreement (CFA), which allows eligible claimants to pursue compensation without paying solicitor service fees upfront.

Under a CFA, you do not pay solicitor service fees while your claim is ongoing. If your claim is unsuccessful, you do not pay solicitor service fees for the work completed on your case.

If your claim succeeds, your solicitor will deduct a success fee from your compensation. The Conditional Fee Agreements Order 2013 caps this fee at 25%, providing important financial protection for claimants pursuing passenger injury compensation.

Contact Accident Claims Today

If you have questions about passenger injury claims or would like to find out whether you could be entitled to compensation, talk to the Accident Claims advice team today. Our solicitors can assess the circumstances of your accident, explain the evidence that may support your claim, advise on the compensation that could be available and discuss whether a No Win No Fee agreement may be suitable for your case. With decades of combined experience handling passenger injury claims, we provide clear, straightforward guidance tailored to your circumstances. You can:

• Call us on 0800 073 8801
• Contact us online.
• Open the live chat on your screen now. 

Learn More

Read some more of our road traffic accident claims guides on our website:

• Find out about child whiplash claims.
• Learn more about what to do after a death caused by careless driving and when compensation could be sought.
• Read our guide to claiming after a driver ran over your foot here.

We’ve included a few external resources for additional information:

• You can learn about the work of THINK!, the government’s road safety initiative, on their website.
• The police collisions and incidents guidance covers what to do if you’ve been involved in a car accident.
• View the latest transport statistics from the Department for Transport.

We’d like to thank you for taking the time to read our guide to passenger injury claims.