Can I make a claim if I was only a passenger?

It’s a legal requirement for all drivers to be insured to cover the costs of compensation claims or damages to other road users. But we know that in some cases the driver who caused your accident might not have had insurance.

If this applies to your case, then it’s likely that you’ll still be able to make a compensation claim.

This is because your compensation will be paid by the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB). All insurance companies have to contribute to the MIB each year, so that people injured by uninsured drivers can get the money they need to move on with their lives.

If you were injured as a passenger while your friend or family member was driving, and it was their fault, then you might feel hesitant about making a claim against them.

Many people are worried they’ll be leaving them with a bill they can’t afford – but this isn’t true. In fact, your compensation will be paid by their insurance company, so they won’t need to pay out of their own pocket.

Car accidents can often happen because the driver was under the influence of drugs or alcohol. If you knew they were over the limit but got in the car anyway, then this could affect the amount of compensation you’re paid but it’s likely you’ll still be able to make a claim.

All public transport drivers have a duty to drive responsibly and to keep you safe. If their negligence or reckless driving has caused you to become injured, then you could make a compensation claim against the company they work for.

For example, the taxi or bus you were in may have collided with another vehicle or obstacle because of their dangerous driving.

Find out more about making a taxi passenger accident claim.

Or, you may have been injured while on a bus because the drive pulled away too quickly before you had a chance to sit down. Accidents on buses are very common – especially when standing, as heavy breaking can cause you to fall over and hurt yourself.

The first step to making a compensation claim is to speak to a trained legal adviser for free on 0800 234 6438. They’ll never pressure you into starting a case when you call – their main aim is to give you the advice you need.

During your call, the adviser will ask some questions about your road accident to get a better understanding of what happened. Then, they’ll tell you whether they think you can make a claim.

There’s no obligation to take your claim any further at this point, but if you do decide you’d like to go ahead, they’ll find the right solicitor for your case – saving you the time and hassle.

After a free consultation, your solicitor will start to gather the evidence around your claim, so they can prove your injuries were caused by the negligence of another road user. They’ll then negotiate on your behalf, so that you can get the full amount of compensation you’re owed.