Many people assume that if they are injured as a passenger in a single-vehicle motor vehicle accident where no other car is involved, they have no legal options.
Others hesitate to pursue a claim because the driver is a friend or family member and they worry about harming that person financially. They may also think that if the accident occurred under poor weather or road conditions, that they have no claim.
In most cases, those concerns are misplaced.
If you were injured as a passenger in a single-vehicle accident, the law generally provides you with clear, practical options for compensation, and exercising those rights does not personally penalize the driver.
Read more below if you were involved in accident:
Passenger Injury Claims Are Common and Legitimate
Passengers are rarely responsible for how an accident happens. Whether the vehicle lost control due to weather, road conditions, fatigue, distraction, or another cause, passengers often suffer significant injuries despite having no role in the events leading up to the crash.
The insurance system in New Brunswick is designed to protect injured people, including passengers. If you were hurt, you are entitled to explore compensation for:
- Pain and suffering
- Income loss
- Medical and rehabilitation expenses
- Future care needs
These claims are not unusual, aggressive, or unfair, they are part of how the system is intended to work.
“I Don’t Want to Sue the Driver” — What Actually Happens
One of the biggest misconceptions is that making a passenger claim means somehow (financially or otherwise) harming the driver. That is not true.
In reality, claims are typically made against the driver’s automobile insurance policy, not against the driver as an individual. The insurance company appoints and pays for legal counsel, manages the defence, and funds any settlement or judgment within policy limits. The driver is not writing a cheque out of pocket.
If the claim cannot be settled within the two year limitation period, a lawsuit will be filed naming the driver but as noted above, the driver does not pay the claim.
Will a Passenger Claim Increase the Driver’s Insurance Premiums?
This is one of the most important points, and one that many injured passengers misunderstand.
The accident itself already triggers any potential insurance premium impact.
A passenger choosing to pursue compensation does not create a new incident or worsen the driver’s insurance record.
Choosing not to make a claim does not “protect” the driver’s insurance status.
What If You’re Related to the Driver?
Many passenger claims involve spouses, partners, parents, children, or close friends. Insurance law specifically anticipates this reality. These claims proceed through insurers precisely so injured people do not have to rely on personal relationships or informal financial support to recover.
You are not doing anything wrong by protecting your health, income, and future, especially when the coverage exists for that exact purpose.
Correia & Collins represents car accident victims, including those who involved in single vehicle accidents. Contact us by phone at 506-648-1700 or online for advice. Your first consultation is free.
Talk Directly to an Experienced Injury Lawyer, Today.
Since 2016, I’ve had the privilege of working for Correia & Collins. First as a student, then as an articled clerk, and now as a lawyer. I have found great pride in problem-solving for clients and guiding them through complex legal problems to achieve the best possible outcomes. Through this experience, I know the importance of having an effective lawyer.