A woman sits in the back of a car, possibly a rideshare, looking at her mobile phone. The lights of New York City streak past.

If you were hurt while riding as a passenger in a car, you may be wondering where to turn. You weren’t driving. You weren’t at fault. But now you’re dealing with injuries, bills, and questions no one seems to want to answer.

At McGowan & Cecil, we’ve spent decades helping people in Prince George’s County recover after serious car accidents, including passengers caught in the middle. Whether you were in a friend’s car, a rideshare, or public transportation, you have rights under Maryland law. And we’re here to protect them. Contact us today to get started. 

You Weren’t Driving—But You Still Have a Case

One of the biggest misconceptions we hear is that passengers can’t file an injury claim. That’s simply not true. In fact, passengers are often in the strongest legal position because they’re almost never at fault.

You may be able to file a claim against:

  • The driver of the car you were riding in
  • Another driver who caused or contributed to the crash
  • A rideshare company like Uber or Lyft
  • A bus or transit operator
  • A government entity, if poor road design or maintenance played a role

Even if the at-fault driver was a friend or family member, you still have the right to seek compensation through their insurance, without targeting them personally.

Common Passenger Injury Cases in Prince George’s County

Passenger injuries can happen anywhere, from city streets to major highways. Some of the most common accidents we handle include:

  • Rear-end collisions at intersections like Central Avenue and Addison Road
  • T-bone crashes in high-traffic areas like Route 202 or Route 5
  • Multi-car pileups on the Beltway or I-95
  • Accidents involving school buses or WMATA vehicles
  • Uber or Lyft crashes during local pickups or airport runs

Injuries can range from minor to life-altering. We frequently represent passengers with:

You don’t need to sort through liability issues or medical records on your own. We’ll handle the legal details so you can focus on healing.

What Can Injured Passengers Recover?

Maryland law allows injured passengers to recover damages for both financial losses and personal suffering. Depending on your injuries, you may be entitled to compensation for:

  • Emergency care, hospitalization, and follow-up treatment
  • Physical therapy or rehabilitation services
  • Lost wages and loss of future income
  • Pain and suffering
  • Long-term disability or reduced quality of life
  • Mental health counseling, if applicable

If the driver responsible for the crash didn’t have enough insurance—or none at all—we’ll explore claims through your own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.

Why McGowan & Cecil?

With over 80 years of combined experience, our attorneys know how to get results. We’ve helped injured passengers across Prince George’s County—from College Park to Suitland—secure the compensation they need to recover and move forward.

Clients trust us because we offer:

  • Extensive experience with complex car accident claims
  • Familiarity with Prince George’s County courts and insurers
  • Personalized service from a dedicated legal team
  • No-fee representation—we only get paid if we win your case

You don’t have to fight the insurance companies alone. We know their tactics, and we won’t let them minimize your claim.

Don’t Wait—Time Limits Apply

Maryland’s statute of limitations generally gives you three years to file a personal injury claim, but waiting can hurt your case. Important evidence can disappear, and insurers may pressure you to accept a low settlement.

We recommend contacting a lawyer as soon as possible after the accident. If you’re still receiving treatment, we’ll work with your doctors to build a clear picture of how the injury has affected your life.

Talk to a Prince George’s County Passenger Injury Lawyer Today

At McGowan & Cecil, we believe injured passengers deserve strong, compassionate legal support. If you were hurt while riding in any vehicle—personal, commercial, or public—we want to hear your story. Call today for a free consultation.

McGowan & Cecil, LLC is based in Laurel, Maryland, and proudly serves clients throughout Prince George’s County, Anne Arundel County, Howard County, and Montgomery County.