[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BlogPosting","@id":"https:\/\/www.gartlaninjurylaw.com\/blog\/passenger-in-a-car-accident\/#BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/www.gartlaninjurylaw.com\/blog\/passenger-in-a-car-accident\/","headline":"Can I Sue for Injuries I Got as a Passenger in a Car Accident in Alabama?","name":"Can I Sue for Injuries I Got as a Passenger in a Car Accident in Alabama?","description":"Alabama\u2019s guest passenger law prohibits social passengers from suing the person who drove them after an accident. You might be unable to recover compensation for your medical bills and other expenses if your friend was responsible for the crash. However, there are some exceptions to this law.\u00a0 What...","datePublished":"2023-05-02","dateModified":"2026-03-25","author":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/www.gartlaninjurylaw.com\/blog\/author\/dothanalabamalawyer\/#Person","name":"Aaron Gartlan","url":"https:\/\/www.gartlaninjurylaw.com\/blog\/author\/dothanalabamalawyer\/","identifier":6,"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/3d2cf6b9fa253242e9c4d79550a007842dd4738da75634f31cb576c537fb5159?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/3d2cf6b9fa253242e9c4d79550a007842dd4738da75634f31cb576c537fb5159?s=96&d=mm&r=g","height":96,"width":96}},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Gartlan Injury law","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.gartlaninjurylaw.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/Gartlan-Logo-3Color-Horizontal-NoBackground-2.svg","url":"https:\/\/www.gartlaninjurylaw.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/Gartlan-Logo-3Color-Horizontal-NoBackground-2.svg","width":0,"height":0}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.gartlaninjurylaw.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/passenger.jpg","url":"https:\/\/www.gartlaninjurylaw.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/passenger.jpg","height":667,"width":1000},"url":"https:\/\/www.gartlaninjurylaw.com\/blog\/passenger-in-a-car-accident\/","video":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"VideoObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=VIiLmjSg7rA#VideoObject","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=VIiLmjSg7rA","name":"Who is Aaron Gartlan?","description":"Aaron Gartlan grew up in very modest surroundings in a mobile home park, but he knew at a young age that he wanted to be a lawyer.\n\n\u201cSomehow, I had this idea that I wanted to do work that would be meaningful and make a difference and help people,\u201d he recalls. \u201cGrowing up in a mobile home park, around good, solid, hardworking family people really made an impression on me early in life. It truly shaped who I am as a man and as a lawyer.\u201d\n\nLearn More: https:\/\/www.gartlaninjurylaw.com\/about-us\/aaron-gartlan\/","thumbnailUrl":["https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/VIiLmjSg7rA\/default.jpg","https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/VIiLmjSg7rA\/mqdefault.jpg","https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/VIiLmjSg7rA\/hqdefault.jpg","https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/VIiLmjSg7rA\/sddefault.jpg","https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/VIiLmjSg7rA\/maxresdefault.jpg"],"uploadDate":"2020-05-19T19:27:19+00:00","duration":"PT1M47S","embedUrl":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/VIiLmjSg7rA","publisher":{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/channel\/UC_3-KhtACb15xdEWmYBKgFA#Organization","url":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/channel\/UC_3-KhtACb15xdEWmYBKgFA","name":"Gartlan Injury Law","description":"Attorney Aaron Gartlan and our team at Gartlan Injury Law are aggressive advocates who always have our clients' best interests at heart. We are dedicated to providing outstanding service to personal injury victims and their families in Dothan and throughout Alabama and to pursuing maximum compensation for their injuries and losses.\n\nADDRESS:\nGartlan Injury Law\n408 S Foster St\nDothan, AL 36301\n\nPHONE:\n(334) 699-4625","logo":{"url":"https:\/\/yt3.ggpht.com\/ytc\/AIdro_kBVfrIFk4Bsc_V6O0WlwZayeYFHPJcGO1Jg8bofguUsw=s800-c-k-c0x00ffffff-no-rj","width":800,"height":800,"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=VIiLmjSg7rA#VideoObject_publisher_logo_ImageObject"}},"potentialAction":{"@type":"SeekToAction","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=VIiLmjSg7rA#VideoObject_potentialAction","target":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=VIiLmjSg7rA&t={seek_to_second_number}","startOffset-input":"required name=seek_to_second_number"},"interactionStatistic":[[{"@type":"InteractionCounter","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=VIiLmjSg7rA#VideoObject_interactionStatistic_WatchAction","interactionType":{"@type":"WatchAction"},"userInteractionCount":147}]]},"about":["Auto Accidents"],"wordCount":1052,"articleBody":"Alabama\u2019s guest passenger law prohibits social passengers from suing the person who drove them after an accident. You might be unable to recover compensation for your medical bills and other expenses if your friend was responsible for the crash. However, there are some exceptions to this law.\u00a0What Is the Alabama Guest Passenger Statute?According to the Alabama Guest Passenger statute, a passenger injured in a car accident can\u2019t sue the driver for negligence if they voluntarily accepted the ride. However, the injured passenger can sue the owner, operator, or person operating the vehicle if their willful or wanton conduct caused their injuries.The unique circumstances of your case will determine what constitutes willful or wanton conduct. It differs from negligence, a common standard involved in car accident cases.Negligence is a failure to exercise reasonable care to avoid harming someone else, resulting in an accident with subsequent injury and loss. Willful and wanton conduct involves a degree of awareness. That means the person knows their behavior could or will likely cause an injury or death.\ufeffAre There Exceptions to the Alabama Guest Passenger Statute?The guest passenger statute creates challenges for any passenger injured in a car crash. You might be unable to file a claim or lawsuit against your driver if the statute\u2019s standards apply to your situation.However, some exceptions might entitle you to compensation. These exceptions include:Driving for hire \u2013 Rides for hire are exempt from the guest passenger statute. That means the ride benefitted you as a passenger, and the driver got paid. For example, if you rode in an Uber, you benefitted by getting to your destination. And the Uber driver benefitted by receiving money for their service.Intentional heedless behavior \u2013 Since negligent driving behavior creates an exemption to the guest passenger statute, pursuing action against the driver is possible if they acted willfully or wantonly. Intentionally operating a motor vehicle in a way that recklessly disregards any consequences increases the risk of a crash. Common willful or wanton actions include speeding, texting while driving, running red lights, and tailgating.Protesting the dangerous acts \u2013 The motorist might engage in reckless actions that you object to. Despite your disagreement with their risky behavior, they continue driving like that anyway. If that\u2019s the case, you might be able to file a lawsuit against them for compensation.Exemptions to the guest passenger statute don\u2019t apply if you voluntarily get into a vehicle with a driver who is under the influence. The statute also doesn\u2019t involve passengers in vehicles for business ventures or trips.Who Is Considered a “Guest”?A guest is a person who rides in a car without paying the driver. Payment doesn\u2019t have to involve exchanging cash. The payment can be something tangible that the driver values or benefits from or that benefits both the driver and the passenger.Who Pays for My Injuries If I Am Injured in a Car Crash Where I Am a Passenger?Since the guest passenger statute doesn\u2019t allow passengers to hold their driver liable for a crash, that can complicate the process of getting compensation. Your friend might have picked you up to go to dinner together or given you a ride to work while your car is at a repair shop.If they cause an accident, they are not legally responsible for your injury and resulting medical expenses. Even if you file a claim, their auto insurer will likely deny it after discovering you were a passenger in its policyholder\u2019s vehicle.You must gather evidence to show the crash involved one of the exceptions to the guest passenger statute or that the driver participated in willful or wanton conduct. The insurance company might cover your medical care and other accident-related costs with substantial proof that an exception to the guest passenger statute applies.If you are not able to secure compensation through their insurance company, you may have the following options:Personal injury lawsuit \u2013 If the insurance carrier denies your claim or offers an insignificant settlement despite evidence of an exemption, you might be able to file a lawsuit. You should consult an experienced attorney for advice on how to proceed.Claim against another at-fault driver \u2013 While the driver of the car you were in may not be liable, it\u2019s possible someone else may be. If another driver was at fault for the collision, you could pursue a car accident claim against them. You may be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and other losses.Your own insurance policy \u2013 Other options are also available to recover the money necessary for your treatment. Medical Payments (MedPay) is optional insurance in Alabama. If you included it on your auto insurance policy, you could file a claim with your insurer to pay for your medical expenses up to the available limit. MedPay can also cover copays or deductibles for health insurance and similar coverage.What Should I Do If I Am a Passenger in a Car Accident?If you sustained injuries in a car accident as a passenger, you might have a right to compensation for your losses. You should seek immediate medical care. Building a case against the careless motorist starts on day one.If your physician recommends follow-up care, listen to their orders. You must attend your appointments regularly according to the recommended treatment plan. Deviating from the plan, stopping treatment too soon, or skipping appointments can negatively affect your case.Although you\u2019re not legally obligated to hire a lawyer, you should. A lawyer can investigate the crash to determine whether the driver should be liable for the accident. They can obtain valuable evidence, such as proof that the driver engaged in willful or wanton conduct.Contact an Alabama Car Accident LawyerYou should understand state laws and know your rights as a passenger after getting hurt in a car accident. Gartlan Injury Law can represent you in your case against the at-fault driver. We take a detail-oriented approach to developing a strategy to meet our client\u2019s needs. You can depend on us to fight for you.Call or contact Gartlan Injury Law for a free consultation today if you sustained injuries in a car crash as a passenger.Visit Our Alabama Car Accident Law Offices{    \"@context\": \"http:\/\/schema.org\",    \"@type\": \"VideoObject\",    \"thumbnailUrl\": \"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=VIiLmjSg7rA\",    \"contentUrl\": \"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=VIiLmjSg7rA\",    \"embedUrl\": \"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/VIiLmjSg7rA\",    \"duration\": \"P0Y0M0DT0H1M46S\",    \"uploadDate\": \"2020-05-19T00:00:00+0000\",    \"description\": \"Who is Aaron Gartlan?\",    \"name\": \"Who is Aaron Gartlan?\",    \"@id\": \"https:\/\/www.gartlaninjurylaw.com\/blog\/cw_video\/who-is-aaron-gartlan-2\/#VideoObject\"}[    {        \"@context\": \"http:\/\/schema.org\",        \"@type\": \"Answer\",        \"name\": \"Answer Question\",        \"text\": \"According to the Alabama Guest Passenger statute, a passenger injured in a car accident can\u2019t sue the driver for negligence if they voluntarily accepted the ride. 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