Understanding Passenger Safety in Rochester, New York

The Dietrich Law Firm, P.C. Knows How to Ascertain Justice. Founded by Recognized Super Lawyer, Jed Dietrich, Esq., We Are Committed to Providing Unparalleled Personal Injury Service to Anyone Injured in a Rochester, New York, Automobile Accident.

Even if you were not behind the wheel, you could still get injured in a car accident. When motorists act irresponsibly, they put everyone on the road at risk: other drivers, rideshare passengers, and even the occupants of their own vehicle. While passengers often play no part in a car crash, they may suffer serious and even life-threatening injuries. If you, or a loved one, were hurt while riding in another person’s car, you could be entitled to significant financial compensation.

The Dietrich Law Firm P.C. has spent years fighting for the rights of our clients. We have seen first-hand how negligence can upend a person’s life, threatening their livelihood and independence. Since our founding, we have helped our clients across Rochester and Western New York secure more than $175 million in damages. You do not have to accept a bad-faith insurance settlement that will leave you deep in debt, unable to pay your hospital bills or get the long-term medical care you deserve. You have options: call the Dietrich Law Firm P.C. today at 585-939-3939 to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation.

Everyone on the road has a legal obligation to exercise reasonable caution, whether they are driving an automobile or are a passenger in one. While motor vehicle operators and their passengers have different responsibilities, they must always be prudent. In general, this means acting in a way that minimizes the risk of injury to themselves and to others. For passengers, this necessitates reducing distractions and making full use of safety devices. As you may already be aware, New York law requires the use of seat belts, irrespective of whether:

1. You are operating a motor vehicle;
2. You are a passenger in a motor vehicle;
3. You are sitting in the front seat of an automobile; or
4. You are sitting in the back seat of an automobile.

If law enforcement finds that a passenger over the age of 16 is not wearing a seatbelt, the passenger can be fined. Further, drivers transporting children under the age of 16 should know that it is their responsibility to ensure that:

1. Any child under the age of 2 is riding in a rear-facing car seat;
2. Any child under the age of 4 is riding in a child safety seat;
3. Any child under the age of 8 is riding in some form of child restraint system; and
4. Any child under the age of 16 is using a seat belt, car seat, or other child restraint system.

If a child under the age of 16 is not properly restrained, the driver can be fined and receive points on their license.

Even highly trained professionals cannot anticipate and avoid every accident. Unfortunately, even passengers who buckle up, follow the law, and behave responsibly cannot control other drivers’ actions. Recently, a Rochester Police officer was struck in a hit and run accident by a vehicle traveling on the wrong side of the road near the intersection of Whitney Street and Jay Street in Dutchtown. The officer was hospitalized with wrist injuries; investigators eventually located the at-fault driver, who had been impaired by drugs and fled the scene.

The Dietrich Law Firm P.C. is committed to providing the highest level of personal injury service to our clients across New York State. Our founder, Jed Dietrich, Esq., is recognized as a Best Lawyer of America and an American Institute of Trial Attorneys Litigator of the Year. Our legal team has the experience needed to evidence your injuries and get you the compensation that you deserve. Please call us at 585-939-3939 to find out how we can help you.

You could be eligible for recompense if:

1. Your economic damages exceed or could be anticipated to exceed the insurance policy limits; or
2. You suffer a “serious injury” under state law. Serious injuries include but are not limited to death, dismemberment, loss of fetus, or any medically determined injury that prevents a person from performing their usual and customary daily activities for not less than 90 days out of the 180 days following the accident.

Depending on the nature of your accident, you may be able to file a claim against:

1. Another motorist;
2. The driver of the vehicle you were a passenger in;
3. The city;
4. A municipal corporation; or
5. A private business or contractor.

However, you must collect sufficient evidence to show that the other party or parties should be held liable for your injuries. This can be challenging, especially when you are going up against a massive insurance company with a veritable army of lawyers. The Dietrich Law Firm P.C. knows that getting justice after a Rochester car accident can seem impossible—that is why it is our mission to help our clients get the medical recovery they need and the justice they deserve. Please call us at 585-939-3939 to discuss your options for recourse. 

Call the Dietrich Law Firm P.C. immediately at 585-939-3939 so that our aggressive, tenacious, and hardworking personal injury lawyers can fight to obtain the best result for your personal injury claim in Rochester, New York. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and there is never a fee until we WIN for you!