1:04Families and passengers
Can my whole family make a claim after the same car accident?
The short answer
Yes, each person who was in the vehicle has an independent claim. A 2026 video from Matthew Graham, who serves as managing litigation attorney at our firm, explains that each family member becomes an individual client. A relative can also call for an injured family member, though the injured person must be the one who signs on.
“In situations like that, each occupant of the vehicle has their own independent claim.”
Key points from Matthew
Families often come in together, and the firm builds a relationship with every member because each is an individual client of the firm.
One family member can take the lead in talking to the firm, provided every other client understands and agrees to that arrangement.
A spouse or parent who calls for an injured relative can get information to pass along, but Texas law requires the agreement to be with the injured party.
A child under 18 cannot file a claim alone, and in Texas the spouse, children and parents share a single wrongful death claim.
Calling for a relative and who can file
Matthew Graham says the firm can speak with a family as a group, but it wants a relationship with each person, since each one is a separate client. A relative may take the lead, and he is glad to deal with that person as long as the others know about it. Privilege with every client stays protected.
When someone phones about an injured spouse or child, the agreement has to be with the injured person, who is receiving care and holds the claim. A minor cannot file alone. Wrongful death is different: one claim shared by the spouse, children and living parents.
Read next on our site
If your family lost someone, the page for our Texas wrongful death lawyers explains who may bring that claim and how our team supports families.
Related questions
See all 23 questions1:04
0:51
0:31Bring your whole family's questions
Each person in the family can have questions of their own. Phone 1-800-INJURED to start, and bring your concerns to anyone on our team.
This video and answer explain Texas law in general terms; they are not advice about your own case, and watching does not make us your lawyers.