Car accidents are traumatic, but being injured as a passenger can feel especially overwhelming. You weren’t behind the wheel, yet you’re left dealing with the aftermath—medical bills, lost wages, and the emotional toll of recovery. As a passenger, you may not know where to begin or how to navigate the legal process. The good news is that Arizona law provides clear rights for injured passengers, and you have options to seek compensation. With the help of an experienced Phoenix car accident lawyer like Garrick McFadden of GAMESQ, PLC, you can take control of your situation and fight for justice.
Your Rights as an Injured Passenger in Arizona
As a passenger in a car accident, you are rarely at fault unless you directly interfered with the vehicle’s operation (a rare scenario). This means that you have the right to seek compensation for your injuries, pain and suffering, lost wages, and other damages caused by the crash. Here’s how it works:
- Filing a Claim Against the At-Fault Driver(s):
In most cases, one or more drivers involved in the accident will be found liable. As a passenger, you can file a personal injury claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance company to cover your medical expenses and other losses. This creates uneasy situations where you might have to sue the person who was giving you a ride. This can sometimes place a strain on your friendship/relationship with the other driver. This is one of the first things Garrick guides his clients through. Will you be able to sue your friend if the evidence shows they were at fault? - Medical Coverage from Your Own Policy:
If you have auto insurance with medical coverage (MedPay), it may help pay for your immediate medical bills. However, this coverage is often limited and may not address all your damages. As a passenger you get to claim from both your own policy and the policy of the car you were a passenger inside. - Multiple At-Fault Drivers:
Arizona follows a comparative fault system, meaning multiple drivers can share responsibility for an accident. For example, if one driver is 70% at fault and another is 30%, their respective insurance companies will pay damages proportionally. Navigating claims with multiple insurers can be complex, which is why having legal representation is crucial. - Special Considerations:
- If the at-fault driver is a friend or family member, filing a claim against their insurance may feel uncomfortable. However, remember that you’re not suing them personally—their insurance policy is designed to cover such situations.
- If you knowingly rode with an impaired driver (e.g., someone under the influence of alcohol), your claim could be denied due to your assumption of risk.
Why You Need Legal Representation
While Arizona law protects passengers’ rights, dealing with insurance companies is rarely straightforward. Insurers often prioritize minimizing payouts over fairly compensating victims. They may delay processing your claim, offer lowball settlements, or even deny liability altogether.
This is where hiring Garrick McFadden and GAMESQ, PLC makes all the difference. With years of experience as a personal injury lawyer in Phoenix, Garrick McFadden has handled countless car accident cases and knows how to build strong claims that maximize compensation for his clients. Many people ask the question: can I sue in Arizona if I was a passenger in a car accident? The answer is yes.
How Garrick McFadden Can Help You
At GAMESQ, PLC, we understand that every client’s story is unique—and we’re here to guide you through every step of your journey toward justice. Here’s how we can help:
- Comprehensive Case Evaluation:
During your free consultation, we’ll listen to your story and assess the details of your case. Whether it involves one at-fault driver or multiple parties sharing liability, we’ll identify all potential sources of compensation. - Building a Strong Case:
We’ll gather critical evidence such as police reports, witness statements, medical records, and accident scene photos to support your claim. Our goal is to present an airtight case that leaves no room for insurers to dispute liability. - Handling Insurance Companies:
Negotiating with insurance adjusters can be daunting—especially if multiple insurers are involved. Garrick McFadden has extensive experience dealing with these tactics and will fight aggressively on your behalf to secure the settlement you deserve. - Maximizing Compensation:
We don’t just aim for quick settlements; we fight for full compensation that reflects all aspects of your damages—medical bills (past and future), lost wages, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and any long-term impacts on your quality of life. - Litigation When Necessary:
If insurers refuse to offer a fair settlement, we’re prepared to take your case to court. With over 17 years of legal experience and a proven track record in civil jury trials across Arizona counties, Garrick McFadden has the skills needed to advocate effectively in court.
What You Should Do After an Accident
If you’ve been injured as a passenger in a car crash in Arizona, taking the right steps immediately after the accident can strengthen your case:
- Obtain contact information from all drivers involved.
- Take photos of the vehicles (including damage near where you were sitting), road conditions, and any visible injuries.
- Seek medical attention promptly—even if you feel fine initially—as some injuries (like whiplash) take time to manifest.
- Avoid discussing fault or accepting settlements from insurance companies without consulting an attorney.
- Contact GAMESQ, PLC for guidance on filing claims and protecting your rights.
Your Journey Toward Justice
At GAMESQ, PLC, we believe that every injured passenger deserves justice—and we’re here to make sure you get it. When you hire Garrick McFadden as your attorney, you’re not just getting legal representation; you’re gaining a trusted guide who will fight tirelessly on your behalf.
Imagine what success looks like: Your medical bills are covered; lost wages are reimbursed; pain and suffering are acknowledged through fair compensation; and most importantly—you have peace of mind knowing justice was served.
This isn’t just about winning a case—it’s about helping you reclaim control of your life after an accident.
Why Choose GAMESQ?
When choosing a lawyer to represent you after a car crash injury in Phoenix, experience matters—and so does compassion. Garrick McFadden brings both to every case he handles:
- Over 17 years of legal experience in personal injury law.
- A proven track record of recovering millions for clients.
- A client-focused approach that prioritizes transparency and communication.
- A commitment to fighting for justice—no matter how complex the case.
Take Action Today
If you’ve been injured as a passenger in an Arizona car crash, don’t wait another day to seek help. The clock is ticking on your ability to file a claim under Arizona’s two-year statute of limitations—and insurance companies won’t wait long before trying to settle for less than what you deserve.
Contact GAMESQ today at gamesqlaw.com or call us directly to schedule your free consultation. Let us handle the legal complexities so you can focus on healing—because at GAMESQ, PLC: Your injuries are our fight—and your win is our mission.
