St. Louis Passenger Injury Lawyer
Injured Passenger Lawyer
Passengers are rarely at fault for a crash. Whether the other driver or your own driver caused the accident, Craig J. Concannon helps passengers recover for current and future medical bills.
Understanding Your Rights
Passengers have strong claims
If you were hurt as a passenger in a car accident, no matter how serious or minor the injury, you have the right to a lawyer. Whether the crash was caused by the other driver or the distracted driver in your own vehicle, the chances of you being held responsible are low.
Many passengers worry about making a claim when their driver is a friend or family member. In most cases, the claim is paid by that driver's insurance company, not by the driver personally.
Even if the at-fault party is uninsured or underinsured, Craig J. Concannon works to make sure you get a fair settlement that covers your current and future medical bills.
Claims against both drivers
We pursue whichever drivers caused the crash, or both.
Protecting relationships
Claims against a friend's driver are paid by their insurer.
Seat belt arguments
Missouri strictly limits how much a missing seat belt can reduce your award.
Future medical bills
We make sure your settlement covers future care.
Common Situations
Common passenger situations
Passengers can be hurt in almost any kind of crash.
Riding with a friend or family member
When your own driver caused the crash.
Hit by another driver
When the other vehicle was at fault.
Both drivers at fault
You may recover from both policies.
Rideshare passengers
Uber and Lyft crashes have their own coverage rules.
Common Injuries
Common passenger injuries
Rear-end and sideswipe collisions often injure passengers.
Who Pays
Who pays a passenger's claim?
Depending on who caused the crash, compensation may come from:
- Your driver's liability insurance if your driver was partly or fully at fault.
- The other driver's liability insurance if they caused the crash.
- Both policies when fault is shared; Missouri divides fault by percentage.
- Your own UM/UIM coverage when the available insurance is not enough.
- Rideshare insurance if you were riding in an Uber or Lyft.
Missouri passenger law
- Under RSMo § 307.178, failure to wear a seat belt can reduce a Missouri injury award by no more than 1%, and only if the defense proves with expert evidence that it contributed to the injuries.
- Missouri divides fault by percentage, so each at-fault driver can be responsible for part of your damages.
- Most personal injury lawsuits must be filed within five years (RSMo § 516.120).
- Child passengers have special rules. See children injured in accidents.
After the Crash
Things to keep in mind as a passenger
Seek medical attention
Even if you feel fine. Some injuries only appear later.
Gather information
Contact and insurance details from both drivers, plus witnesses.
Call the authorities
Get a police report, even if the drivers don't want to call.
Contact Craig
Before giving statements to either driver's insurer.
Hurt as a passenger? Talk to Craig today.
Free, confidential consultation. No attorney fee unless you recover.
Questions