Being injured in a car accident is stressful, but being hurt as a passenger can feel especially confusing. You weren’t driving. You weren’t responsible for the crash. Yet you’re the one dealing with medical bills, lost wages, and pain that can last far beyond the moment of impact. At Gash & Associates, P.C. in White Plains, we help passengers throughout the Bronx understand their rights and pursue compensation under New York law so they can focus on healing.
Understanding Who Pays for Your Injuries
Passengers in New York benefit from the state’s no-fault insurance system, which provides coverage for medical care and certain financial losses regardless of who caused the crash. If you were riding in a private vehicle, your first source of coverage typically comes from the insurance policy of the car you were in. No-fault benefits usually include medical expenses, a portion of lost wages, and necessary household help if your injuries make it difficult to take care of yourself.
But no-fault only goes so far. If your injuries are serious enough under New York law—for example, if you suffer broken bones, significant scarring, or long-term impairment—you may step outside the no-fault system and file a claim against the at-fault driver. This could be the driver of the other vehicle, the driver of the car you were riding in, or both. When we represent injured passengers, we look at every possible source of compensation to make sure nothing is overlooked.
Can You File a Lawsuit Against the Driver?
Many people feel uneasy about filing a claim against the driver of the car they were in, especially if that person is a friend, coworker, or relative. But the claim is not against them personally—it’s against their insurance company. That’s exactly why insurance exists: to cover injuries and losses after an accident.
If the driver’s negligence caused the crash—speeding, running a red light, driving distracted, or failing to adjust to traffic conditions—you have the legal right to pursue a claim. We help clients handle these cases with care, especially when relationships matter. Our goal is to make sure you receive the financial support you need without creating unnecessary personal conflict.
When More Than One Driver Is Involved
Accidents in the Bronx often include multiple vehicles, which means more than one driver may be at fault. As a passenger, you may be able to file claims against several insurance policies. This can be especially important when your injuries are severe and one policy does not offer enough coverage on its own.
We coordinate these claims, determine each driver’s share of fault, and pursue every available avenue for compensation. Multi-vehicle accidents can be messy, but you don’t have to sort it out alone. We help you understand each step and make sure your rights are protected from the beginning.
FAQ
Can I sue the driver of the car I was in: Yes. If your injuries meet New York’s serious injury threshold, you can bring a claim against the driver’s insurance company.
Does no-fault cover passengers: Yes. Passengers are covered under New York’s no-fault system, even if they do not own a car or have their own insurance.
What if the at-fault driver is uninsured: You may have access to uninsured motorist coverage through the vehicle you were riding in. Other options may also be available, and we can help you identify them.
If you were injured as a passenger in a Bronx car accident, contact Gash & Associates, P.C. in White Plains at (914) 328-8800. We’re here to help you understand your options and take the next step.
