By When a collision occurs, the fault is typically assigned to one or more drivers. But can a reckless or dangerous passenger also be held responsible for a crash?
In this article, Kevin L. Sullivan II discusses situations where a passenger could be at least partially responsible for a crash.
If you were injured in a car accident caused by someone else, our experienced car accident lawyers in Florida might be able to help. Contact our offices to learn about your legal options.
How Can a Passenger Cause a Crash?
Usually, the fault lies with one or both drivers involved. However, if a passenger is reckless or unsafe, they could be held responsible if their actions lead to a crash.
Drivers have a primary responsibility to obey traffic laws and take reasonable precautions to avoid harming others. In Florida, passengers also have legal responsibilities. They must not create dangerous distractions or act in a way that could cause the driver to lose control. This law applies whether they are driving or riding in someone else’s vehicle.
What Passenger Behaviors Could Lead to Liability?
Passengers may be held accountable for actions that make driving dangerous. Some risky behaviors include:
Interfering with the Driver’s Ability to Operate Safely
This might involve covering the driver’s eyes, suddenly grabbing the steering wheel, or pressing down on the driver’s foot while it’s on the accelerator. Any of these actions can be extremely dangerous and cause the driver to lose control of the vehicle.
It’s common for teens to encourage a driver to speed up or run a red light, which could lead to serious injury or even death.
Distracting the Driver in Dangerous Ways
Some younger or immature passengers might try to startle or distract the driver with actions such as:
- Shouting or making sudden noises
- Opening the door while the vehicle is moving
- Spilling hot liquids or food on the driver
These actions can cause dangerous reactions, especially when near other traffic. There’s always a risk that a pedestrian, child, or cyclist could be on the road in residential areas and be harmed by the passenger’s behavior.
This post was written by a professional at Kevin L. Sullivan II. Attorney Kevin L. Sullivan II is your Riverview truck accident attorney, and the best personal injury attorney near you for LeavenLaw. Kevin is proud to serve Florida accident victims that have been injured in auto accidents, motorcycle accident, slip and falls or have suffered any other type of injury caused by negligence. Kevin offers a FREE no-obligation consultation to discuss your claim. There are NO upfront fees or costs and if he does not collect for you, you do not owe him anything.
