What Happens if My Passenger Made Me Crash?

 Posted on March 29, 2022 in Car Accident

Drivers are responsible for safely operating their vehicles. In a normal situation, the driver has sole and complete control over the vehicle's movements. Nearly all car crashes are caused by someone who is in the driver’s seat. However, the line between “driver” and “passenger” can become blurred when a passenger attempts to take control of a vehicle or interfere with the driver’s ability to do so. These reckless actions can very easily cause a needless accident. This type of event is not nearly as rare as you might think. Passengers can be held liable if they are in fact at fault for a crash. If you were injured in a car accident caused by a passenger, you should contact an attorney promptly. You may be able to recover compensation from your passenger.

When is a Passenger Liable for a Car Accident?

Even if you were doing everything right - eyes on the road, obeying all traffic laws - you still might end up getting hurt if your passenger does not share your responsible attitude toward road safety. In Colorado, you can hold a passenger legally liable for a car accident that they caused. These incidents frequently involve a passenger who is either intoxicated or enraged - or both - versus a sober driver.

Common ways that passengers cause car crashes include:

• Grabbing the wheel - Your passenger does not like the direction you are driving in and takes it upon himself to steer you in a different direction, such as right into a tree.
• Shifting - As you are cruising along at an appropriate speed, your passenger decides to stop the car immediately with no regard for you or anyone else. She grabs your gear shift and throws you into reverse. Other drivers who could not anticipate this abrupt stop are unable to avoid hitting you.
• Vision impairment - You cannot keep your eyes on the road to avoid a crash with a passenger blocking your vision. This can include intentional actions, like holding something up in front of the windshield, covering your eyes, or blinding you with a camera light at night.
• Road rage - Passengers can get road rage too. If you are the subject of their anger, you might find yourself in the horrible position of trying to defend yourself while driving. Irate passengers may throw items around the cab, assault you, or simply create such a distraction that you ultimately lose control of your vehicle or fail to notice an obstacle in time to avoid an accident.

If something like this happened to you, it is probably time to talk to an attorney.

Contact a Larimer County Car Accident Attorney

If you were injured in a car accident due to a reckless passenger, Hoggatt Law Office, P.C. would like to hear from you. Our skilled Ft. Collins car accident attorneys may be able to help you recover financial compensation. Call 970-225-2190 for a free consultation.

Source:

https://www.aceable.com/blog/how-to-be-a-safe-passenger-in-the-car/