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Case study · Passenger injury
£70,000 Compensation for a Passenger Injured in a Head-On Collision on a Blind Hill
Our client was a passenger in a car travelling over a blind hill, where the road was only wide enough for one vehicle. The driver drove through the middle of the road and collided head-on with another car. Our client suffered a ruptured bowel needing surgery, complete fractures and travel anxiety. NJS Law, the firm behind Injuries Direct, brought the claim against the insurer of the driver responsible and secured £70,000 in compensation.
How a passenger was compensated for serious injuries after a head-on crash, and what it means if you've been hurt as a passenger.
- Claim type
- Road traffic accident, passenger
- Cause
- Head-on collision on a narrow blind hill
- Injuries
- Ruptured bowel needing surgery, complete fractures and travel anxiety
- Claim made against
- The insurer of the driver responsible
What happened
Our client was a passenger in a car travelling over a blind hill. The road at the top of the hill was only wide enough for one vehicle.
The driver drove through the middle of the road and collided head-on with another car coming the other way.
The injuries
The collision left our client with serious internal injuries, fractures and lasting anxiety.
- A ruptured bowel
- Surgery, which included removing their appendix
- Complete fractures
- Travel anxiety since the accident
How we helped
Solicitors at NJS Law brought the claim against the insurer of the driver responsible. Passengers are almost never to blame for a collision, and they can claim against whichever driver caused it, even if that driver is someone they know.
- The claimBrought against the insurer of the driver responsible for the collision.
- Medical evidenceWe arranged independent medical evidence covering our client's internal injuries, fractures and travel anxiety.
- NegotiationWe negotiated with the insurer until the claim was resolved.
- The outcomeCompensation of £70,000.
Key facts in this case
- Our client was a passenger
- The car was travelling over a blind hill
- The road at the top was only wide enough for one vehicle
- The driver drove through the middle of the road and collided head-on with a car coming the other way
Every claim is different, and the outcome of your claim will depend on your circumstances.
What this case shows about passenger claims
If you've been hurt as a passenger in a crash, these are the points that matter most.
Passengers are almost never to blame
Passengers can claim against whichever driver caused the collision, even if that driver is someone they know.
Extra care where drivers can't see
Drivers have a duty to take extra care where they can't see what's coming, including keeping to their side of the road on narrow stretches and blind hills.
Psychological injuries count
Travel anxiety after a crash is a real injury. With medical evidence, it can be included in your claim alongside your physical injuries.
The driver's insurer pays
Compensation is paid by the insurer of the driver responsible, not by the driver personally, even if they're a friend or family member.
Injured as a passenger? Find out if you can claim
Whether your injury is serious or minor, our team will talk it through with you for free and tell you honestly whether you have a claim. Eligible claims are handled on a No Win No Fee basis.
- Free, no-obligation first conversation
- No Win No Fee on eligible claims
- Personal injury solicitors at NJS Law
- Clear, supportive guidance throughout your claim
Prefer to talk now? 0330 818 1202
Passenger injury claims: FAQs
Can I claim as a passenger?
Yes, you usually can. Passengers are almost never to blame for a collision, so you can claim against the insurer of whichever driver caused it, even if that was the driver of the car you were in.
Can I claim if a friend or family member was driving?
Yes. The claim is made against their insurer, not against them personally, so compensation is paid by the insurance company.
What if the driver responsible wasn't insured?
You may still be able to claim. If the driver was uninsured or can't be traced, a claim can usually be made through the Motor Insurers' Bureau.
Can I claim for travel anxiety after a crash?
Yes. Travel anxiety is a real injury. With independent medical evidence, it can be included in your claim alongside your physical injuries.
How much compensation could I receive?
It depends on how serious your injuries are, how long they affect you and what they've cost you, such as lost earnings, care and treatment. In this case, our client received £70,000. See our road traffic accident claims page for typical compensation ranges.
Is there a time limit for a passenger claim?
You usually have three years from the date of the accident to start a claim. There are exceptions, for example for children, so get in touch even if your accident was some time ago.
Injured as a passenger in a crash?
Talk to our personal injury team for free, with no obligation to claim. Eligible claims are handled on a No Win No Fee basis.