Passenger Rights in Motorcycle Accidents in Alberta
If you were riding as a passenger on a motorcycle and injured in an accident, you may wonder what your rights are — especially if the driver was a friend or family member.
Many passengers hesitate to file a claim because they don't want to 'sue' the rider they were with. But in Alberta, injury claims are **handled through insurance**, not personal finances. That means you can still recover full compensation without harming personal relationships.
As Alberta motorcycle accident lawyers who've handled both rider and passenger claims, we know how to protect injured passengers and navigate the insurance process discreetly and effectively.
This guide explains:
Common Passenger Injuries in Motorcycle Crashes
Because passengers have no control over the motorcycle, they often suffer serious or complex injuries, including:
Common Injury Types:
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Passenger's Injuries?
Liability depends on who caused or contributed to the crash. Alberta follows a **fault-based system**, meaning compensation is paid by the at-fault party's insurer.
Motorcycle Operator
If the motorcycle driver was speeding, distracted, or lost control, their insurer covers your injuries through their **third-party liability coverage** (usually at least $200,000, but often $1 million or more).
Another Driver
If another vehicle caused the crash — for example, by turning left across the motorcycle's path — that driver's insurer pays for your injuries.
Both Drivers
If fault is shared between the motorcycle operator and another driver, you can claim from **both insurers** based on their percentages of fault.
Uninsured or Hit-and-Run Drivers
If no insurance applies, you can claim through Alberta's **Motor Vehicle Accident Claims (MVAC) program**, which provides up to $200,000 per accident for injury victims.
Steps to Take After a Motorcycle Accident as a Passenger
Taking the right steps immediately after an accident can protect both your health and your legal rights:
Call 911 Immediately
Ensure police and paramedics attend. A police report documents critical fault information.
Seek Medical Care
Even minor pain can indicate serious injury. Early medical documentation strengthens your claim.
Gather Information
Get contact and insurance details from all drivers involved.
Take Photos and Record Details
Capture the scene, damage, road conditions, and visible injuries.
Report the Accident
Notify your own insurer, even if another policy will pay.
Keep a Recovery Journal
Track pain levels, appointments, and how injuries affect your life.
Contact an Alberta Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Legal help ensures all insurers are notified, deadlines are met, and your claim is valued accurately.
How a Lawyer Helps Injured Passengers
Passenger claims can involve multiple insurers and complex liability issues. Here's how we help:
Identifying All Liable Parties
Ensuring both the motorcycle driver and any other drivers are included.
Navigating Multiple Insurers
Handling communications to avoid conflicting statements.
Maximizing Compensation
Accounting for all short- and long-term damages.
Protecting Relationships
Managing the claim discreetly so your friend or family member isn't directly involved.
Challenging Lowball Offers
Using medical and financial evidence to increase settlements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion
Passengers in Alberta motorcycle accidents have strong legal rights and multiple avenues for compensation. Even if the driver was a friend or relative, your claim is against insurance — not the individual — and ensures your medical care, recovery, and future income are protected.
Passengers are almost never at fault for motorcycle crashes.
Claims are made against insurers, not individual riders.
You may recover from one or multiple insurers, depending on fault.
Section B benefits provide immediate coverage, and tort claims address long-term losses.
A lawyer ensures your rights are protected and your settlement is fair.
Injured as a motorcycle passenger in Alberta? Contact us today for a free consultation.
No fee unless we win.