Under Alabama Code 32-1-2, a passenger (or “guest”) is prohibited from bringing a claim against a driver for injuries sustained in a wreck, unless the driver willfully or intentionally operated the vehicle in a way to cause those injuries. “Guest” means you were riding with the driver without payment, as opposed to a taxi or rideshare. Note that payment does not necessarily mean cash – anything that would benefit the driver may be considered payment. Passed during the Great Depression, these laws are mostly a result of insurance company lobbying to protect themselves and drivers from frivolous litigation or collusion. The majority of other states in the country have repealed these laws, (rightly) believing them antiquated. Motorists owe a duty of care to everyone on the road – including their passengers. Under the Guest Statute, however, drivers may be relieved of liability, even in accidents they cause: The owner, operator, or person responsible for the operation of a motor vehicle shall not be liable for loss or damage arising from injuries to or death of a guest while being transported without payment therefor in or upon said motor vehicle, resulting from the operation thereof, unless such injuries or death are caused by the willful or wanton misconduct of such operator, owner, or person responsible for the operation of the motor vehicle. If you are injured as a passenger in a car wreck, however, you are not out of options.