I photograph in an art cartoon style of black Goodyear car accident lawyer: Garrick McFadden.

Can You Help Me if I Was Injured as a Passenger in a Car Crash?

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An All Too Real Fictional Account of Sarah

Sarah was riding in her friend’s car one evening in Phoenix when another driver ran a red light and caused a devastating collision. The crash left Sarah with a serious shoulder injury, mounting medical bills, and no clear path forward. She turned to a large advertising law firm for help, expecting them to handle her case effectively. But instead of fighting for her rights, the firm failed her at every step.

They didn’t investigate the accident scene, didn’t secure a liability determination, and sent Sarah to a chiropractor when she needed medical attention for her shoulder.

Sarah felt something was wrong and filled out the form to have a free consultation with Garrick McFadden, before things got too bad.

Once she felt Garrick’s vibe and he broke down to her how she should use her AHCCCS insurance to get medical care and not be seen on a lien basis, she fired the advertising law firm and switched to Garrick.

I, Garrick McFadden, took on her case and immediately got to work. I was able to recover the policy limits for Sarah’s injuries, but it wasn’t without having an honest conversation about the realities of her situation—including the possibility of suing her friend, who was driving the car at the time of the crash.

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When You Are Injured In A Car Accident As A Passenger You Might Have To Sue Your Friend Who Was Driving The Car

Sarah’s story highlights the unique challenges passengers face after being injured in car accidents:

  • External Problem: Sarah needed compensation for her medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. The mishandling of her case by the first law firm jeopardized everything.
  • Internal Problem: She felt conflicted about pursuing legal action against her friend while also dealing with physical pain and emotional stress from the accident.
  • Philosophical Problem: Sarah believed it was unfair that she had to fight so hard for justice when she wasn’t even driving the car that caused the crash.

These challenges are common for passengers injured in car accidents, which is why hiring an experienced Phoenix car accident lawyer like GAMESQ, PLC is critical.

GAMESQ, PLC Is Willing To Tell You The Truth During Our Free Consultations And Sometimes That Means Staying With Your Old Law Firm

When Sarah came to GAMESQ, PLC, she found more than just legal representation—she found someone who understood her frustrations and knew how to navigate the complexities of her case. Here’s how we helped:

  • We Took Immediate Action: Unlike large advertising firms that delay critical steps, we immediately investigated the scene of the crash and secured liability determinations to protect Sarah’s claim.
  • We Had Honest Conversations: I explained that while most of the fault lay with the other driver (80%-100%), her friend might bear some responsibility (up to 20%) for failing to maintain a safe lookout. This meant we might need to pursue claims against both drivers’ insurance policies.
  • We Prioritized Her Best Interests: We never sent Sarah to questionable chiropractors or lien-based care providers that could harm her case. Instead, we encouraged her to use trusted medical professionals who prioritized her recovery.

At GAMESQ, PLC, our mission is simple: Your injuries. Our fight. Your win.

Who Pays for Passenger Injuries After a Car Crash?

As a passenger in Arizona, you have several options for seeking compensation after being injured in a car crash:

1. The At-Fault Driver’s Insurance Policy

Arizona operates under an at-fault system, meaning the driver responsible for causing the accident is liable for damages. As a passenger, you can file a claim against their liability insurance policy to cover your injuries.

2. The Driver of Your Vehicle’s Insurance Policy

If your friend or family member was driving when the accident occurred and shares partial responsibility (as in Sarah’s case), you can also file a claim against their insurance policy. It’s important to remember that this doesn’t necessarily mean suing your friend—it means using their insurance coverage as it was intended.

3. Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UM/UIM)

If either driver doesn’t have enough insurance to cover your damages—or has no insurance at all—you may be able to file a claim under your own UM/UIM coverage or that of your driver’s policy.

Why Liability Determination Matters

In Arizona, liability is determined based on comparative negligence, meaning fault can be divided between multiple parties. Establishing liability early is crucial because it determines how much each party’s insurance will pay toward your damages.

At GAMESQ, PLC, we take immediate steps to secure liability determinations by:

  • Investigating the accident scene thoroughly, if required.
  • Collecting evidence such as police reports and witness statements.
  • Working with experts like accident reconstructionists if necessary.

This proactive approach ensures our clients aren’t left waiting or struggling with denied claims.

Contact Us Today For A Free Consultation With A Licensed Arizona Attorney Not A Salesperson

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If you’ve been injured as a passenger in a car accident and feel abandoned by your current lawyer—or don’t know where to start—don’t wait another moment. Fill out our simple contact form today or call us directly for a free consultation with an experienced Phoenix car accident lawyer who will fight tirelessly for your rights.

If Sarah Did Not Switch Law Firms She Could Have Put Nothing In Her Own Pocket

Without proper legal representation, passengers like Sarah risk several potential failures:

  • Losing out on compensation because their lawyer failed to secure liability determinations early on.
  • Accepting lowball settlements due to poor case handling or lack of evidence.
  • Damaging personal relationships by not understanding that pursuing an insurance claim doesn’t mean suing someone directly.

At GAMESQ, PLC, we ensure our clients avoid these pitfalls by taking immediate action and providing clear guidance every step of the way.

Garrick McFadden Is A Phoenix Car Accident Lawyer Who Built A Black Owned Car Accident Law Firm To Win Your Case

Thanks to GAMESQ, PLC’s proactive approach and honest guidance, Sarah successfully recovered policy limits from both drivers’ insurance companies without compromising her friendship or leaving money on the table. She received compensation for her medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering—all because she chose an attorney who prioritized her needs from day one.

Sarah’s story is proof that having the right lawyer can make all the difference when navigating complex passenger injury claims.

When you choose GAMESQ, PLC:

  • You gain personalized attention from an attorney who genuinely cares about your case.
  • You avoid predatory practices like lien-based care that can harm your recovery and case value.
  • You gain an advocate who knows how to counteract every trick in the book because Your injuries are our fight—and your win.

FAQs About Passenger Injury Claims

1. Can I sue both drivers if I’m injured as a passenger?
Yes! In Arizona’s comparative fault system, you can pursue claims against multiple drivers if they share responsibility for the crash.

2. Will suing my friend hurt our relationship?
Not necessarily—most lawsuits are resolved through their insurance company rather than out-of-pocket costs. At GAMESQ, PLC, we handle these situations delicately.

3. How long do I have to file a claim?
Arizona has a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims following an accident.

Come Experience The GAMESQ, PLC Difference

If you’ve been injured as a passenger in a car accident in Phoenix or anywhere else in Arizona, don’t let poor representation jeopardize your claim—turn to GAMESQ, PLC for help! Fill out our contact form today or call us now for a free consultation with an experienced Phoenix car accident lawyer who will fight tirelessly for every dollar you’re owed because Your injuries deserve more than crumbs—they deserve our fight and your win.

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