If you’re hurt as a passenger in a friend or family member’s car—whether they’re at fault or the at-fault driver didn’t have insurance—you can file a claim with insurance without affecting your friend or family member’s personal assets.
When our client was hit while riding as a passenger in her friend’s vehicle by a driver who ran a red light—with no insurance—we faced what’s commonly referred to as a “friendly” uninsured motorist (UM) claim: one where the accident involves a friend or family member’s vehicle and insurance coverage. Although our client hesitated to pursue a claim against her friend’s insurer, Viking Insurance, it’s situations like these why UM coverage exists.
UM coverage lets you claim benefits when the at-fault driver has no insurance. Despite her concerns, we negotiated the UM claim against the friend’s Viking policy—securing the $25,000 policy limit, plus $5,063.62 in waived PIP benefits, bringing the total recovery to $30,063.62. Our client had incurred $12,000 in medical expenses, receiving treatment only on the date of the accident.
UM coverage can step in when the at-fault driver has no insurance, and it extends to passengers—even if the claim is against a friend’s policy. With careful communication, we navigated our clients concerns, pursued the claim on her behalf, and achieved full compensation without harming her friend’s coverage or relationships.
Friendly claims can also be brought if you’re a passenger in a friend’s or family member’s vehicle and they are at fault for the accident. It’s important to remember you are entitled to claim benefits from their insurance policy and you do not have to go after their personal funds. With the help of an experienced personal injury attorney, we can help guide you and your friend or family member through the process without having it affect your relationship.
Call or text G. R. Johnson Law, LLC at 541-585-2222 if you have been injured in an accident. We can help.
