If you have recently been involved in a car accident and sustained an injury, you may be considering filing a personal injury suit in a court of law. Many questions can arise during this process, including whether or not it is possible to find a passenger at-fault for an accident.

No-fault insurance

In New Jersey, drivers often choose to purchase no-fault insurance at the time that they buy an auto policy. Under no-fault policies, medical costs related to injuries and wages lost due to injuries sustained during an accident are covered by the driver's own insurance policy. These policies are designed to mitigate litigation costs incurred by injured parties attempting to seek settlements from drivers who are at-fault.

Passenger responsibility

Some drivers carry policies that only make payments to other parties if they are found to be at-fault for an auto accident. If you were a passenger riding with a driver who was at-fault for an accident, you may wonder if you will also share the burden of responsibility. Only an experienced personal injury attorney can help you determine the answer to this question, but you should keep the following in mind.

It is very rare that passengers are found at-fault for an accident. As a passenger, you have very few responsibilities to the driver. You are not required to keep him or her out of an accident. However, if you willfully got into a car with an individual who was intoxicated or showed negligence in accepting a ride from an irresponsible driver, you may be considered partially at-fault for an accident.

Contact qualified legal counsel immediately if you have been involved in an accident as a passenger. Your attorney will help you file a personal injury claim if necessary. He or she can also help you evaluate whether or not you might be held at-fault for an accident.