Injured in a Florida Car Accident While Riding or Driving Someone Else’s Vehicle

Hanna Branch • May 13, 2025

Being involved in a car accident is stressful enough. But what happens when you’re not the owner of the vehicle—either as a passenger or someone borrowing a friend’s car?

In Florida, personal injury claims can get complicated in these situations. Whether you're recovering from injuries or overwhelmed by insurance questions, it's important to understand your rights and the steps you need to take., if damages exceed the owner’s coverage, your own auto insurance (if you have it) may kick in as secondary coverage. You could still be personally liable if:



  • The accident was due to your negligence

  • You were driving without the owner’s permission

  • The vehicle was uninsured or underinsured

It's important to seek legal advice quickly, especially if you're unsure how much coverage is available or who’s legally responsible.


Legal Options for Injured Passengers or Non-Owners

Whether you were injured as a passenger or driving someone else’s car, don’t assume insurance companies will treat you fairly. They may try to shift blame, delay payments, or offer lowball settlements. Florida law allows injury victims to pursue:

  • Medical expense reimbursement

  • Lost wages

  • Pain and suffering

  • Long-term disability compensation

The statute of limitations in Florida for most personal injury cases is now 2 years, so it’s crucial to act fast. A personal injury attorney can help you gather evidence, file claims, and negotiate with insurance providers so you can focus on healing.


Call Us for Free Legal Help — 24/7

If you were injured as a passenger or while driving someone else's vehicle in Florida, you have rights—and you don’t have to face the process alone. Retamar & Millian Personal Injury Attorneys are here to help you recover what you deInjured as a Passenger in a Florida Car Accident

If you were a passenger during a car accident in Florida, you may not know who’s responsible for covering your injuries. Florida’s no-fault insurance law requires most drivers to carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP), which typically covers passengers, regardless of who was at fault.

You may be entitled to compensation through:

  • Your own PIP coverage (if you have it)

  • The driver's insurance of the vehicle you were in

  • The at-fault driver’s bodily injury coverage

If your injuries are serious (permanent injury, significant scarring, or loss of function), you may step outside the no-fault system and file a personal injury claim against the at-fault party.


Driving Someone Else’s Vehicle in an Accident

Borrowing a friend’s car and getting into an accident raises another set of questions. In Florida, insurance follows the vehicle, not the driver. This means the car owner's insurance is generally the first to respond to claims.

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