Passenger in a T-bone crash — at-fault driver admitted it, now what do I do?

I was a passenger in a crash a couple years back and honestly being the passenger is its own confusing situation because you feel like you're kind of caught between two different insurance situations. What I did was contact the at-fault driver's insurance directly as a third-party claimant. You have every right to do that without going through your coworker's insurance at all. Just make sure you don't give them a recorded statement without thinking it through first.

Former adjuster here. As a passenger you're actually in a decent position because liability is almost never disputed against you — you weren't driving anything. That said, adjusters will still try to minimize your injury claim, especially soft tissue stuff like neck and shoulder pain. They love to say things like "that's just typical post-accident soreness" and offer you something fast before you even know the full extent of your injuries. Don't take an early offer if you're still symptomatic.

Please go get a follow-up with a doctor if your neck and chest are still bothering you two weeks out. Seatbelt injuries can involve more than just bruising — costochondral issues, soft tissue damage, even hairline rib fractures that urgent care might have missed. You also want that documented in your medical records as ongoing, not just a one-time urgent care visit. From a medical standpoint, a clear paper trail of your symptoms matters a lot.

A couple of practical things: first, start a notes document right now with dates, symptoms, any appointments, anything you've had to cancel or miss because of this. Even informal notes help. Second, as a passenger you can file a claim against the at-fault driver's liability coverage — that's separate from anything your coworker is doing. Your own auto policy may also have MedPay or PIP coverage that can help with medical bills regardless of fault. Worth calling your own insurer just to ask about coverage, not to make a claim statement.

Not legal advice, but passengers generally have strong standing in these situations and most PI attorneys offer free consultations. Given that you're still having symptoms and haven't spoken to any insurance company yet, that's actually a reasonable position to be in — you haven't made any missteps. A consult would at least help you understand your options before you say anything to anyone.

Two weeks of neck pain is not nothing. Please don't brush that off just because you technically "walked away." I'd focus on getting checked out medically first and worry about the claim stuff second — your health has to come first here.