Injured as a Passenger? Talk Directly With Patrick R. Kelly

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You Were a Passenger—But Now You’re Dealing With the Aftermath

If you were injured as a passenger, you didn’t cause the crash—but you may still be dealing with medical bills, missed work, and insurance confusion. Passenger injury claims are often more complicated than they seem, especially when multiple drivers and insurance policies are involved. The Law Offices of Patrick R. Kelly provides direct, attorney-led guidance so you can understand your options and avoid being caught between insurance companies.

Who is Liable for the Injuries to a Passenger Following an Automobile Collision?

The faulty driver who caused the collision is the most common target for liability purposes. All drivers in Texas are required by law to maintain at least $30,000 in liability coverage. Assuming the at-fault driver maintained such liability coverage, the injured passenger should seek compensation from the at-fault driver’s insurance company. To be clear, the at-fault driver could be a driver in another vehicle, the driver of the vehicle in which the passenger rode, or both. Therefore, if both drivers are at fault and both maintained the minimum required policy amounts, the passenger could seek at a minimum $60,000 from the combined insurance companies for injuries sustained.


Often times the injured passenger’s medical bills, pain and suffering, lost wages, disfigurement, and permanent impairment caused by the collision equate to a large monetary amount. In the scenario involving two minimum policy limits for example, the medical bills alone could exceed $60,000. In such a case, a well-trained lawyer will “stack” insurance policies. Stacking occurs when an injured party needs more compensation than provided by the initial liable party’s insurance coverage. The injured passenger can seek compensation from other insurance polices, or stack policies, to ensure the maximum amount of compensation is obtained. For example, the vehicle in which the passenger rode may have uninsured or underinsured (“UM” or “UIM”) coverage. This insurance provision requires the policy to pay for damages caused by the wreck when there is no or minimal liability coverage from the at-fault drivers. The UM or UIM will apply regardless of whether the driver of the passenger’s vehicle was at fault. That driver’s insurance coverage will still cover the passenger’s damages if a valid UM or UIM policy is in place. Furthermore, the passenger may have his or her own UM or UIM policy on her own vehicle. The passenger may be able to stack his or her policy to cover for any injuries and damages that are not covered by an at fault driver’s policy.

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Legal Counsel is Necessary to Properly Compensate an Injured Passenger

Insurance companies commonly implore contractual language in their policies that require an injured party to exhaust other insurance policies before a claim can be made for underinsured coverage. Certain authorizations and procedures must be followed to ensure the injured passenger can recover from all the insurance companies as possible. A personal injury attorney can walk an injured passenger through the insurance land mines to ensure maximum recovery. The untrained eye of an injured victim will miss opportunities to recover fully for injuries suffered. Insurance companies won’t voluntarily notify the injured party about various options to recover compensation for medical expenses.


The Law Offices of Patrick R. Kelly can help passengers who suffered an injury in an automobile accident in the Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas area. He can analyze the applicable insurance policies and evaluate any case during a free consultation. Call now!

Why Passenger Claims Get Complicated

Passenger injury cases often involve more than one insurance policy and more than one potentially responsible party.

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Multiple Drivers May Be At Fault

Both drivers involved in the crash may share responsibility.

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Multiple Insurance Policies Apply

Liability coverage, UM/UIM policies, and personal policies may all be involved.

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Insurance Companies Shift Responsibility

Each insurer may try to push liability onto another party.

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Policy Limits May Not Cover All Damages

Serious injuries can exceed minimum coverage amounts, requiring additional recovery strategies.

How We Handle Passenger Injury Cases

Working directly with Patrick helps ensure nothing is missed

Direct Conversation With Patrick

You explain what happened and get clear answers about your situation.

Policy Review and Liability Analysis

All available insurance coverage is identified and evaluated.

Strategic Claim Handling

Claims are structured to maximize available compensation across policies.

Ongoing Communication

You stay informed as your case progresses.

Common Injuries in Passenger Cases

Passenger injuries can range from moderate to severe depending on the crash:



  • Neck and back injuries
  • Head injuries and concussions
  • Broken bones
  • Internal injuries
  • Long-term pain or impairment

Common Questions About Passenger Injury Claims

  • Can a passenger sue the driver in Texas?

    Yes. A passenger may have a claim against the at-fault driver, whether that is the driver of another vehicle or the driver of the vehicle they were in.

  • What if both drivers are at fault?

    A passenger may be able to recover from multiple insurance policies if both drivers share responsibility.

  • Do I need a lawyer for a passenger injury claim?

    These cases often involve complex insurance issues, making legal guidance important.

  • Will I speak directly with the attorney?

    Yes. Your case is handled directly by Patrick from start to finish.

  • What if insurance coverage isn’t enough?

    Additional policies, including UM/UIM coverage, may be available to help cover damages.

Get Clear Answers About Your Passenger Injury Case

You don’t have to sort through multiple insurance companies or legal questions on your own. The Law Offices of Patrick R. Kelly helps injured passengers across Dallas–Fort Worth understand their options and take the next step with confidence. When you call, you’ll speak directly with the attorney who will handle your case.