In most car accidents, one of the drivers is responsible for the crash due to reckless behavior such as speeding, distraction, or other careless actions. However, as our St. Petersburg passenger negligence lawyers know, vehicle occupants can also play a role in causing a crash.
When a passenger’s actions contribute to a collision, questions about liability can become complex. Our experienced St. Petersburg personal injury attorneys at Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers have the knowledge and resources to thoroughly investigate accidents and identify their true causes. To date, we’ve recovered tens of millions of dollars for our clients, and we have 119 years of combined experience. You’ll be in trusted hands if you choose us for your case.
If you were injured in a crash in St. Petersburg, Florida, where passenger negligence was a factor, contact us today at (727) 314-5988 for a free consultation. You have legal rights, and we’re here to help you protect them.
Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help if You Were Hurt in a Car Accident Caused by Passenger Negligence in St. Pete
Our St. Petersburg car accident lawyers understand the profound impact a crash can have on your life. Beyond the physical and emotional toll, which may require extensive treatment, the financial strain can become overwhelming.
For decades, Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers have been dedicated advocates for accident victims. You shouldn’t have to handle the complicated insurance claims process—let our experienced lawyers stand by your side to ensure you receive fair treatment from insurers.
When managing your St. Petersburg car accident injury claim, we take a thorough approach by:
- Conducting an independent investigation of the crash scene
- Collecting evidence, including police reports, medical records, photos, and available video footage
- Interviewing key witnesses and taking depositions
- Working with leading experts to strengthen your case
- Filing a lawsuit if negotiations do not result in a fair settlement
Negotiating with insurance companies, especially while you’re also trying to focus on recovering from serious injuries, can be challenging. That’s why we take care of all settlement discussions on your behalf. Our goal is to protect you from insurers who use unfair tactics to minimize or deny your compensation. Call us today in St. Petersburg, FL, to get started with a free consultation.
How a Passenger’s Negligence Can Cause a St. Petersburg, FL Car Accident
Countless distractions can pull a driver’s focus away from the road.
Passengers often contribute to dangerous situations by engaging in behaviors such as:
- Excessive conversation that diverts the driver’s attention
- Grabbing the steering wheel
- Instigating road rage incidents with other motorists
- Obstructing the driver’s field of vision
- Playing music at an unsafe volume
Just like drivers, passengers have a responsibility to behave in a way that does not create unnecessary risks. When a passenger fails to act reasonably and their actions contribute to an accident, they may be held responsible for the resulting injuries.
Car accidents in St. Petersburg involving passenger negligence can make recovering full and fair compensation more challenging.
Having an experienced firm like Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers on your side can be a game changer. We will thoroughly investigate your case and fight for the justice you deserve.
Florida’s “No-Fault” Car Insurance System
Florida follows a “no-fault” car insurance system, meaning you can seek compensation through your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) policy regardless of who was responsible for the accident. However, PIP benefits have limitations. If you suffered a “serious injury” as defined by state law or if another exception applies (such as if your losses exceed your policy limits), you may be eligible to file a claim against the negligent passenger for additional compensation.
If you qualify to pursue such a claim, proving that a passenger’s reckless actions contributed to the crash is just one step. You must also establish the extent of your damages.
Damages You Can Recover for Injuries Sustained in a St. Petersburg Passenger Negligence Car Accident
Car accidents can result in both physical and emotional harm. Florida law acknowledges this by allowing victims to seek two primary types of compensation: economic and non-economic damages.
Economic damages cover financial losses directly related to the accident, such as medical expenses (past and future), lost wages, reduced earning capacity, vehicle repairs, and other out-of-pocket costs.
Non-economic damages address intangible losses, including pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of companionship, diminished quality of life, and other personal hardships caused by the accident.
In rare cases that reach trial, punitive damages might be awarded as well. However, these damages require stronger evidence, and you must show that the responsible party acted egregiously.
Talk to a St. Petersburg Passenger Negligence Car Accident Attorney About Your Legal Options
Passengers inside a vehicle can be just as distracting as anything else on the road, and their behavior is largely beyond your control.
Regardless of what causes the distraction, the impact of a car accident can be life-changing. While we can’t undo what happened, we can fight to hold the responsible parties financially accountable for the harm they’ve caused.
Dealing with the insurance claims process can be overwhelming, but Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers will work tirelessly to secure the compensation you need for medical expenses, lost wages, and other accident-related costs.
Car crashes can occur at any time, which is why we’re available 24/7 to take your call. Contact our St. Petersburg passenger negligence attorneys today for a free case review and to explore your legal options.
