Stephen Schultz | September 13, 2025 | Car Accidents
While there are a few cases of passenger negligence, most passengers are not responsible for the cause of their car accident. They are merely “along for the ride” and suffer the consequences of another person’s negligence and recklessness.
If you were a passenger in a car accident, taking steps to protect your legal rights is essential. This blog discusses what passengers should do after a car accident and some legal options they may have for recovering compensation for their injuries and losses.
What Should I Do if I Was a Passenger in a Car Accident?
Many of the steps you take as a passenger in a car accident are the same steps a driver should take after a crash. Things passengers should do to protect their legal rights after a car accident include:
Report the Crash to the Police
One of the drivers should call 911 to report the crash. However, if neither driver notified the police, you can do so. Ask the operator to send emergency medical services if anyone needs medical attention.
Document the Accident Scene
It is helpful to collect evidence from the accident scene. Evidence helps prove who caused the accident. The parties who caused the crash can be held liable for your damages.
To ensure you capture all evidence, try photographing and making a video of the damaged vehicles and the accident scene. If anyone witnessed the crash or stopped after the crash, ask them for their names and contact details.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Medical records are crucial in a personal injury case. They document the injuries and harm you sustained because of the accident. See a doctor as soon as possible after an accident. At the scene, do not mention that you are not injured. If you do not require emergency medical services, explain that you would like to see your doctor.
Report the Accident to Your Insurance Company
Even though you were not driving, you may have insurance that covers your medical bills and lost wages. PIP (Personal Injury Protection) coverage is optional, no-fault insurance in Missouri. Therefore, if you have PIP coverage, you may receive compensation from your insurance provider for some of your losses.
Consider Contacting a St. Louis Personal Injury Lawyer
Passenger injury claims can be complicated accident cases. The drivers may dispute liability for causing the accident. If so, you are caught in the middle of their dispute.
Your attorney can pursue claims against all liable parties for your economic and non-economic damages. Having an attorney handle your case means you have someone protecting your best interests, which is important when the insurance companies and drivers look out for themselves.
Who Is Liable for a Passenger’s Damages After a Car Accident in Missouri?
Missouri is an at-fault state for car accident claims. Anyone who contributed to the cause of the accident could be liable for damages.
Therefore, the person driving the car you were riding in could be liable for your damages if they caused the crash. Likewise, if the other driver is at fault, your claim would be against that driver. Other parties, such as pedestrians, bicyclists, mechanics, car manufacturers, and government entities, could be at fault in some situations.
Sometimes, more than one party could be partially to blame. If so, contributory fault could apply. Under Missouri’s pure comparative fault law, damages are divided based on a party’s percentage of fault.
Contact a St. Louis Car Accident Lawyer at Schultz & Myers Personal Injury Lawyers for a Free Consultation
As a passenger, you have the same right to compensation as any injured driver — but navigating Missouri’s insurance and fault laws can be overwhelming on your own. At Schultz & Myers Personal Injury Lawyers, our St. Louis car accident attorneys have over 100 years of combined experience standing up for injured passengers and holding negligent drivers accountable. We’ll fight to recover every dollar you deserve for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Call today for a free consultation with a St. Louis car accident lawyer who will put your needs first.
Car accidents can change your life in an instant. If you’ve been hurt in a Car accident, call Schultz & Myers Personal Injury Lawyers now to schedule a free consultation with a St.Louis Car accident attorney. We’ll review your case for free and help you take the next steps toward justice and recovery.
Contact the attorneys at Schultz & Myers Personal Injury Lawyers at the nearest location to schedule a free consultation, we proudly serve all throughout Missouri, including St. Louis County and Boone County and we have offices in St. Louis, Ladue, Columbia, Creve Coeur.
Schultz & Myers Personal Injury Lawyers – St. Louis Office
319 N 4th Street, Suite 835, St. Louis, MO 63102
(314) 444-4444
Schultz & Myers Personal Injury Lawyers – Columbia Office
28 N 8th St # 502, Columbia, MO 65201
(573) 702-3285
Schultz & Myers Personal Injury Lawyers – Ladue Office
9807 S 40 Dr, St. Louis, MO 63124
(314) 912-3302
Schultz & Myers Personal Injury Lawyers – Creve Coeur Office
999 Executive Pkwy Dr #205, Creve Coeur, MO 63141
(314) 350-4021
