Have you been injured in a car accident caused by a passenger’s negligence in Baton Rouge, Louisiana? Mansfield Melancon Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers is here to help. Our Baton Rouge passenger negligence lawyers can help protect your rights and push back against unfair blame. Contact us at (888) 601-0127 today for a free consultation.
Mansfield Melancon Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers has 50 years of combined experience and has recovered tens of millions of dollars for injury victims across Louisiana. The firm helps injured passengers pursue full compensation under Louisiana law. Reach out today to get started.
Why Choose Mansfield Melancon Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers to Help With a Passenger Negligence Case in Baton Rouge, LA?
Passenger negligence cases in Baton Rouge, LA, can be complicated because multiple drivers and insurance policies may be involved. Mansfield Melancon Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers focuses on personal injury cases and understands how to handle these claims.
Our Baton Rouge personal injury lawyers provide the following background and skills:
- Experienced legal team with decades of combined experience handling Louisiana injury cases
- Strong results, including tens of millions of dollars recovered for clients
- Detailed investigations to determine who caused the crash and how the injuries occurred
- Clear communication so clients understand each step of the process
- Willingness to negotiate or go to court when insurers refuse to act fairly
These strengths help ensure injured passengers are not blamed for accidents they did not cause. Contact us today for a free consultation with a Baton Rouge passenger negligence attorney.
What Is Passenger Negligence in Louisiana?
Passenger negligence refers to claims that a passenger contributed to an accident or made their injuries worse. Insurance companies may raise these arguments to reduce what they pay.
The following are considered passenger negligence:
- Distracting the driver by yelling, grabbing the wheel, or interfering with controls
- Riding with a driver known to be impaired or reckless
- Failing to wear a seat belt when required by law
- Encouraging dangerous driving behaviors
Even when these claims are raised, a passenger still has the right to seek compensation. Each situation must be reviewed carefully under Louisiana law.
Common Passenger Injury Scenarios in Baton Rouge
Passengers can be hurt in many types of accidents throughout Baton Rouge and surrounding areas.
Common passenger negligence cases include:
- Multi-vehicle crashes where fault is disputed between drivers
- Rideshare accidents involving Uber or Lyft vehicles
- Crashes involving impaired or distracted drivers
- Collisions at intersections or on high-speed roadways
- Accidents involving commercial or delivery vehicles
In these cases, identifying all responsible parties is critical to a successful claim.
What Should Passengers Do After a Car Accident?
The steps a passenger takes after a car accident can affect their ability to recover compensation.
Our Baton Rouge personal injury lawyers recommend you take the following steps after a crash:
- Seek medical attention right away, even if injuries seem minor
- Report the accident to the police so there is an official record
- Collect names, insurance details, and contact information from drivers and witnesses
- Take photos of vehicles, injuries, and the accident scene if possible
- Avoid giving recorded statements to insurance companies without legal advice
Acting quickly helps preserve evidence and protects your claim.
Louisiana Deadlines and Fault Rules for Passenger Claims
Louisiana has strict deadlines for filing injury claims. Most personal injury lawsuits must be filed within two years, and wrongful death claims must be filed within one year. Missing these deadlines can prevent recovery, even if the case is strong.
Louisiana currently follows a pure comparative fault system. This means an injured passenger can recover compensation even if they share some fault, though the recovery is reduced by their percentage of responsibility. Insurance companies often rely on this rule to shift blame onto passengers.
Louisiana is a fault-based state with no PIP coverage. This means claims are pursued directly against the at-fault driver’s insurance.
Effective January 1, 2026, Louisiana will switch to a modified comparative fault system with a 51 percent bar. Under this change, injured parties who are 51 percent or more at fault will be barred from recovery.
Who May Be Liable for a Passenger’s Injuries?
Passenger injury claims often involve more than one responsible party, such as:
- Drivers of one or more vehicles involved in the crash
- Employers, if a driver was working at the time of the accident
- Vehicle owners who allowed unsafe drivers to use their vehicles
- Manufacturers, if a vehicle defect contributed to the injuries
- Government entities, if road conditions played a role
Identifying every liable party helps maximize available compensation.
Compensation Available to Injured Passengers
Passengers hurt in car accidents may be able to recover compensation for many losses.
Accident victims may recover:
- Medical expenses, including emergency care, surgery, and rehabilitation
- Lost income from missed work or reduced ability to earn
- Pain and suffering from physical injuries and emotional distress
- Future medical care for long-term injuries
- Property damage to personal belongings
- Wrongful death damages for surviving family members
The amount of compensation depends on the severity of injuries and how fault is assigned.
Contact Our Baton Rouge Passenger Negligence Lawyers Today for a Free Consultation
If you were injured as a passenger in a car accident, do not assume you cannot recover compensation. Mansfield Melancon Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers can review your case, explain your rights, and help you move forward.
Our Baton Rouge passenger negligence attorneys can fight to protect you from unfair blame and pursue the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation.