Injured While Riding? Why You Need a Passenger Injury Lawyer to Protect Your Rights

Every day, thousands of people ride as passengers in cars, taxis, Ubers, buses, and rideshare vehicles across New York City. Most of the time, these trips end safely—but when a crash occurs, passengers are often the ones most seriously injured and the least sure of what to do next. If you’ve been hurt in someone else’s vehicle, a passenger injury lawyer can help you understand your rights and pursue the compensation you’re entitled to.

At The Law Offices of Darren T. Moore, we represent injured passengers in all types of traffic collisions. Whether you were in a friend’s car, a cab, or a rideshare, we work to hold the responsible parties accountable and get you the Moorejustice you deserve.

Why Passenger Injury Cases Are Unique

As a passenger, you’re rarely at fault in an accident. You weren’t driving, you didn’t make a mistake behind the wheel, and you weren’t in control of the vehicle. That’s why New York law gives you the right to file a claim against whoever caused the crash—whether that’s the driver of the car you were in, the driver of another vehicle, or both.

A passenger injury lawyer understands how to handle cases involving multiple drivers, conflicting stories, and overlapping insurance policies. When each driver blames the other, you’re the one caught in the middle. A passenger injury lawyer fights to keep the focus on your recovery—not on the finger-pointing between drivers.

Who Can a Passenger Injury Lawyer Hold Responsible?

In a two-car collision, fault can rest with either driver—or both. A passenger injury lawyer investigates every detail to identify all potentially liable parties, including:

• The driver of the vehicle you were riding in

• Another driver who caused or contributed to the crash

• A rideshare company or commercial vehicle operator

• Vehicle owners who negligently entrusted their cars to unsafe drivers

• Manufacturers in cases involving defective vehicle parts (related info on defective products)

• Even municipalities in the case of roadway design or traffic signal failures

Your passenger injury lawyer will review police reports, speak with witnesses, request video footage, and consult accident reconstruction experts to build a strong case. No matter how complex the situation, our goal remains the same: make sure you’re fully compensated for the harm you’ve suffered.

Common Injuries in Passenger Accidents

Passengers in crashes are often unprepared for impact. They may be seated in the back without a seatbelt, sitting sideways in a rideshare, or simply looking at their phones when the collision happens. The result? Severe, and often underestimated, injuries.

A passenger injury lawyer routinely represents clients with:

• Whiplash and soft tissue injuries

• Traumatic brain injuries

• Fractures and dislocations

• Spinal cord injuries

• Internal bleeding or organ damage

• PTSD and emotional trauma

Even if your injuries seem minor at first, symptoms can worsen in the days and weeks following a crash. That’s why it’s critical to seek medical attention immediately and speak with a passenger injury lawyer who can begin protecting your claim from the start.

Insurance Coverage and Passenger Injury Claims

Many passengers are unsure of whose insurance will cover their injuries. A passenger injury lawyer evaluates all available policies to determine your options. This could include:

• The policy of the driver you were riding with

• The policy of the other driver

• Your own auto insurance (if applicable) under uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage

• Commercial or company policies (for taxis, buses, or rideshares)

Navigating these layers of insurance can be overwhelming, especially when providers try to deny or delay payments. Your passenger injury lawyer handles all communication, files necessary paperwork, and negotiates directly to ensure you get what you’re owed.

What Can a Passenger Injury Lawyer Help You Recover?

In a personal injury claim, your passenger injury lawyer will seek full compensation for all your losses, including:

• Medical expenses (ER visits, surgery, therapy, medications)

• Future medical treatment and rehabilitation

• Lost income from time off work

• Reduced earning capacity if you can’t return to the same job

• Pain and suffering

• Emotional distress and mental health impacts

• Long-term disability or disfigurement

Every case is different, and your passenger injury lawyer will tailor your claim to reflect the full scope of your injury and recovery needs.

What If the At-Fault Driver Is a Friend or Family Member?

It’s common to feel conflicted about filing a claim when the driver is someone you know. But a passenger injury lawyer can help you understand that your claim is against their insurance—not them personally. You have the right to medical care, lost wages, and recovery—regardless of who was driving.

In fact, failing to pursue a claim could mean taking on massive expenses yourself while the insurance company walks away untouched. A passenger injury lawyer ensures your rights are respected and your relationships preserved.

Why You Should Act Quickly

Time is a critical factor in personal injury cases. In New York, the statute of limitations for most personal injury claims is three years from the date of the accident. But when public transportation or a government entity is involved, the deadlines are much shorter—often just 90 days to file a Notice of Claim.

The sooner you speak with a passenger injury lawyer, the sooner you can begin gathering evidence, documenting your injuries, and avoiding missteps that could hurt your case.

Moorejustice for Injured Passengers

At The Law Offices of Darren T. Moore, we understand how isolating it can feel to be hurt in an accident you didn’t cause and weren’t responsible for. That’s why we take passenger injury lawyer cases so seriously. You deserve to be heard, to be respected, and to be compensated for what you’ve endured.

We call that Moorejustice—and we pursue it relentlessly for every client we represent.

Talk to a Passenger Injury Lawyer Today

If you were injured while riding in a car, taxi, Uber, or other vehicle, don’t wait to explore your legal options. Contact a passenger injury lawyer at The Law Offices of Darren T. Moore today. We offer free consultations and never charge a fee unless we win.

Let us investigate the accident, handle the insurance companies, and fight for the compensation—and the Moorejustice—you deserve.