If you live in the Phoenix metro area, the sight of a pair of vehicles on the side of the road is nothing new. According to the Arizona Department of Transportation (AZDOT), more than 2,500 passengers were injured and over 200 were killed in car accidents in 2024.
While the number of these incidents are dropping compared to 2023’s statistics, the serious nature of resulting injuries are still an important factor, particularly for individuals between the age of 25 and 34. So, stick with us to learn if you, as a passenger, are entitled to compensation after a car accident and why.
Absolutely. Passengers injured in an Arizona car accident are entitled to compensation for their damages. Because they are rarely at fault for a collision, they can file a claim against the at-fault driver’s liability insurance to recover their damages, even if that individual was operating the vehicle they were in. Personal injury lawsuits can be filed for a number of losses, from medical bills and lost wages to pain and suffering.
Most accident-related injuries in Phoenix and the surrounding areas are caused by rear-end collisions, single-vehicle crashes, and intersection accidents. With heavy rush hour traffic on major highways like the I-10, passengers are often diagnosed with conditions like whiplash, fractures, internal organ damage, and traumatic brain injuries. These injuries can lead to long-term care needs, such as surgery or physical therapy, as well as emotional distress, including long-term PTSD.
There is no statutory cap on the amount of compensation a passenger can recover for personal injuries in Arizona. Our state’s constitution explicitly prohibits laws that limit damages for injury or death, including punitive damages designed to punish particularly negligent behavior.
However, the amount an individual can recover is determined by factors such as the severity of the injuries, available insurance coverage, and the specific facts of the case. State mandatory auto insurance policy minimums include $25,000 in bodily injury per person, or as much as $50,000 per accident. So, if a passenger’s injuries exceed that amount, they may need to file a claim with their own underinsured motorist coverage.
As a passenger, you are well within your rights to file a claim for compensation after a car accident. Arizona law provides you with the opportunity to seek to recover your damages, but going through the process alone may not be in your best interests. The attorneys at Phillips Law Group have served our local community for three decades and counting. Our reputation matters, and you can trust us to see your case through to the best possible outcome.
Reach out to our team of skilled personal injury attorneys for assistance. Set up your free, no-obligation case evaluation with a Phillips Law Group team member and learn how much your passenger compensation claim could be worth.
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