When you get into a vehicle with a loved one, you expect to arrive at your destination safely. You may expect to laugh or listen to music and enjoy the company of whomever you are riding with. What you do not expect is to get into an automobile accident during your ride. However, when you do, you may sustain injuries for which you should be compensated. The question becomes, under these circumstances, what is the applicable law for injured passengers in Alabama to recover for injuries that have been sustained in an automobile accident? If you or a loved one have been involved in an accident, it is in your best interest to contact an experienced Huntsville and Madison County personal injury attorney to strategize about the best possible outcomes for your situation.
Guest Passenger Law
Under Alabama law, Section 32-1-2, when you are a passenger in a vehicle and you are in an accident in which you sustain injuries, unless you paid the driver for the ride or the injury was due to willful, wanton misconduct on behalf of the driver, you will not be able to be compensated for your injuries. It is important to note that willful, wanton misconduct does not consist of merely speeding, but requires a higher degree of fault, such as the driver was intoxicated without your knowledge or the driver was excessively speeding or recklessly operating the vehicle. Though this can be frustrating to understand, the reasoning behind the injured passenger law in Alabama is that drivers should not be held liable when they do a favor or offer to take someone to their destination just because they were merely negligent. Though you may feel defeated by the Alabama guest passenger statute, it is still in your best interest to seek legal representation and advice if you are an injured passenger. You may still be compensated for the injuries that you have sustained depending on the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Need Legal Advice?
When you are injured in an accident and you are a passenger in a vehicle, you may or may not eligible to receive compensation for the injuries that you have sustained. This can be disappointing and frustrating, yet you may still have a case depending on the circumstances surrounding the accident. Because of this, it is invaluable to seek legal advice and representation if you find yourself in this circumstance. All situations are different, therefore, if you or a loved one have been involved in an auto accident it is in your best interest to contact an experienced Huntsville and Madison County personal injury attorney at Hornsby Watson & Hornsby to help you with your case. Contact our office today.