When a multi-vehicle crash happens, passengers often suffer the most serious injuries, yet they rarely know what their rights are in the aftermath. Texas roads experience thousands of multi-car collisions each year, and the chaos of these events can leave passengers uncertain about who is responsible or how to pursue compensation. Understanding your rights is the first step toward protecting your health, your finances, and your future.
Understanding Your Rights as a Passenger in Multi-Vehicle Accidents
As a passenger, you generally bear no responsibility for causing the crash. Whether the collision involved a chain-reaction pileup on I-37 or a distracted-driving rear-end crash on a busy Corpus Christi street, you have the right to seek compensation for your injuries. Because multiple drivers may share fault in these accidents, passengers often have several potential avenues for recovery. You may be entitled to pursue claims against one or more of the involved drivers whose negligence contributed to the collision.
Insurance companies must investigate these claims fairly; however, determining liability in multi-vehicle crashes can be complex. It’s not unusual for a passenger to file claims with multiple insurers, depending on how fault is allocated. Knowing that Texas law protects the rights of innocent passengers can help you move forward with confidence.
Immediate Steps to Take After a Multi-Vehicle Crash
Prioritize Your Health and Safety
Your first priority is always your safety. Move away from traffic if you can do so safely, and call 911 right away. Even if you feel shaken but uninjured, you should still seek medical attention as soon as possible. Many serious injuries, including concussions, internal injuries, and soft-tissue damage, may not show symptoms until hours or days later. Prompt medical care protects both your health and your potential claim.
Preserve Evidence at the Scene
If you’re able, gather as much information as possible at the crash site. Photograph the vehicles involved, the roadway, skid marks, traffic signals, and any visible injuries. Collect contact information from drivers, passengers, and witnesses. These details can become crucial later, especially in crashes involving multiple vehicles and conflicting accounts.
Navigating Insurance and Compensation Claims
Understanding Available Coverage
Texas drivers may carry various types of insurance coverage that can help cover the costs of a passenger’s injuries. Liability insurance covers the damages caused by an at-fault driver. Personal Injury Protection (PIP), which is often included in many Texas policies, may provide quick relief for medical bills and lost wages, regardless of fault. If one of the responsible drivers is uninsured or underinsured, Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage may also be applicable.
Understanding which policies apply, and in what order, is not always straightforward. With multiple vehicles, conflicting statements, and competing insurers, passengers often face delays or denials without the benefit of experienced guidance.
Filing a Passenger Injury Claim
If you’ve been injured, notify all involved insurance companies as soon as possible. Provide documentation, such as medical records, police reports, and receipts of expenses. Texas has strict deadlines for filing personal injury claims, making it crucial to act promptly and maintain thorough records. While passengers are typically entitled to compensation, receiving full and fair payment is rarely automatic.
When to Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer
If your injuries are serious, if insurers dispute liability, or if you feel pressured to accept a low settlement, legal help becomes essential. Multi-vehicle crashes are among the most complex cases in personal injury law, and Texas insurers work diligently to limit their payouts. An experienced attorney can protect your rights, manage communication with insurers, and build a case that reflects the true impact of your injuries.
At Hilliard Law, we have decades of experience representing injured Texans and holding negligent drivers accountable for their actions. Our team understands the challenges passengers face after multi-vehicle crashes, and we know how to fight for the compensation you deserve.
If you or a loved one was injured as a passenger in a multi-vehicle accident,reach out to our team for a free consultation. We’re here to help you move forward with strength and clarity.