Have you been injured in a car accident caused by a passenger in Columbus, Georgia? A Columbus passenger negligence lawyer at Mark Casto Personal Injury Law Firm can investigate what happened and determine who may be responsible. Contact us today at (706) 940-4030 to schedule a free consultation and discuss your legal options.
Passengers can sometimes cause or contribute to crashes by distracting the driver, blocking their view, grabbing the steering wheel, or otherwise interfering with the safe operation of a vehicle. When a passenger’s actions contribute to an accident, they may share responsibility for the resulting injuries and losses.
How Can Mark Casto Personal Injury Law Firm Help With a Passenger Negligence Case in Columbus, GA?
Mark Casto Personal Injury Law Firm represents people injured because of another person’s negligence in Columbus, GA. Attorney Mark Casto has 26 years of legal experience and has recovered tens of millions of dollars for clients. He also holds an AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell.
Our Columbus car accident lawyer can help by:
- Investigating how the accident occurred
- Gathering evidence of the passenger’s actions
- Identifying all potentially liable parties
- Documenting your injuries and losses
- Handling communications with insurance companies
- Negotiating for a fair settlement
- Taking your case to court when necessary
Passenger negligence cases can raise difficult questions about fault. Our Columbus personal injury attorney can help you pursue compensation from those responsible for your injuries. Contact us today for a free consultation.
When Can a Passenger Be Negligent?
Passengers are not usually responsible for how a vehicle is driven. However, they still have a duty to act with reasonable care and avoid conduct that puts others at risk.
A passenger may be at fault if they:
- Grab the steering wheel
- Block the driver’s view
- Hit or push the driver
- Throw an object inside the vehicle
- Encourage dangerous driving in some cases
- Distract the driver in a dangerous way
- Interfere with the vehicle’s controls
Not every distraction makes a passenger legally at fault. The facts must show that the passenger acted without reasonable care and helped cause the crash.
Can a Passenger and Driver Both Be at Fault?
Yes. More than one person can share fault for the same car accident.
For example, a passenger might grab the steering wheel while the driver is speeding. If both actions helped cause the crash, both people may share fault.
The driver may also be at fault for choosing to drive in an unsafe way even when a passenger encouraged the conduct. A lawyer can review each person’s actions to find out who may be responsible.
What Evidence Can Prove Passenger Negligence?
Passenger negligence often happens inside a vehicle, where there may be few outside witnesses. This can make statements from the people involved very important.
Other useful evidence may include:
- Police reports
- Witness statements
- Dash camera footage
- Traffic camera footage
- Photos and videos
- Cell phone records
- Vehicle data
- Statements from the driver and passengers
- Medical records
Some evidence can also show what happened before the crash. Text messages or videos, for example, may help show whether a passenger encouraged or took part in dangerous conduct.
A lawyer can compare the available evidence to build a clear picture of how the accident happened.
What Compensation May Be Available?
A person injured because of someone else’s negligence may be able to seek compensation for accident-related losses. The amount depends on the injuries and other facts.
A claim may include payment for:
- Medical bills
- Future medical care
- Lost wages
- Loss of future income
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Lasting injuries or disability
A serious injury can affect much more than medical costs. It may also limit a person’s ability to work, care for family members, or take part in normal activities.
How Does Georgia Comparative Fault Affect a Claim?
Georgia follows a modified comparative fault rule. Under Georgia Code Section 51-12-33, an injured person who is less than 50% at fault may still recover damages, but their recovery is reduced according to their share of fault.
A person who is 50% or more at fault cannot recover damages under this rule. This makes it important to gather proof of what the driver, passenger, and other people did before the crash.
How Long Do You Have to File a Passenger Negligence Lawsuit in Georgia?
Georgia generally gives an injured person two years to file a personal injury lawsuit.
Some cases may have different deadlines. It is also helpful to start gathering evidence long before the legal deadline.
Memories can fade, witnesses may become harder to find, and video may be deleted. An early review can help save useful proof of the passenger’s actions.
What Should You Do After an Accident Caused by a Passenger?
Get medical care and report the accident to the police. If possible, take photos of the vehicles and crash scene.
Tell the officer what you saw or heard if a passenger interfered with the driver. Names and contact details for witnesses may also help later.
Save medical bills, repair costs, and proof of missed work. These records can help show how the crash affected you.
Contact Our Columbus Passenger Negligence Lawyer Today for a Free Consultation
A careless passenger can sometimes share fault for a crash, but these cases depend on proof of what happened inside the vehicle. The driver and other parties may also share responsibility.
A Columbus passenger negligence attorney at Mark Casto Personal Injury Law Firm can investigate the crash, identify potentially responsible parties, and help you pursue compensation for your losses. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your legal options after an accident.
