When you are involved in a serious car crash, the consequences can be devastating. Not only do you have injuries that you need to recover from, but you will also have financial burdens, including the medical expenses and loss of earnings. When the accident involves a drunk driver, something that is more common around this time of year, things can get more complicated, especially if you are a passenger in the car of a drunk driver. Your friend or family member has made a significant mistake in driving under the influence, and now you are both dealing with the consequences. You may find yourself in the unfortunate position of having to file a lawsuit against someone you care about. You must work with an experienced car accident lawyer in Knoxville who can help you navigate this situation.

Emotional Conflict

One of the most significant factors in this situation is that it is emotionally challenging to navigate. You cannot shoulder the financial burden of your injuries alone, but nobody relishes the thought of having to sue a friend or family member - even when they were in the wrong. There is often a degree of guilt involved in the process as well. After all, if you were aware that they were inebriated and chose to accept a ride anyway, do you have some part of the blame? A car accident lawyer in Knoxville will tell you that filing a personal injury lawsuit is not something you should approach as punishing your friend.

In most cases, you will file a claim against their insurance provider, not them personally. State law actually requires drivers to carry a minimum amount of auto liability insurance in situations like this! Understanding this can help to alleviate some of the emotional conflict you may feel about seeking compensation for your injuries from your friend or relative.

Proving Higher Level Negligence

One of the things that can make a case more complex when you are injured as a passenger of a drunk driver is the so-called Guest Passenger Law, which requires injured parties to prove a higher level of negligence. There is an important legal distinction between a guest and a passenger! A guest is someone riding with a friend for free, while a passenger is considered someone paying for their ride, such as a taxi or bus passenger. In some cases, carpooling may fall under the passenger umbrella because of the shared benefit from the ride. It is important that you and your car accident lawyer in Knoxville determine whether you qualify as a guest. Here are some key points about Tennessee's guest passenger laws.

  • Higher Standard of Proof - As already noted, as a guest in the vehicle, your car accident lawyer in Knoxville will need to prove that the driver is guilty of gross negligence or willful misconduct. Basic negligence is usually not sufficient.
  • No Imputed Negligence - In most cases, passengers are not held responsible for the driver's negligence under Tennessee law.
  • Intoxication Exception - The big question we often hear as a car accident lawyer in Knoxville, when dealing with accidents involving the passengers of drunk drivers, is whether or not they can claim compensation if they knowingly got into a vehicle with someone under the influence. There is an exception for intoxication, which means you will be unable to recover damages if you knew, or should have known, that the driver was intoxicated and chose to accept the ride anyway.

Why Choose Butler, Vines & Babb as Your Car Accident Lawyer in Knoxville, TN

Choosing Butler, Vines & Babb as your car accident lawyer in Knoxville, TN gives you a legal team that knows how to handle the tough, messy cases—especially those involving intoxicated drivers or Tennessee’s complex guest passenger rules. Their attorneys understand the personal and emotional strain these situations create, and they approach every case with empathy, transparency, and a commitment to your well-being. Backed by decades of proven experience and a track record of strong results, they focus on securing the compensation you deserve. When everything feels overwhelming, Butler, Vines & Babb stands ready with steady guidance and dependable support.

Navigating the aftermath of a crash involving an intoxicated driver is rarely simple—especially when the driver is someone you know and trust. The emotional weight, the financial stress, and the legal hurdles can feel overwhelming, but you don't have to face them alone. Understanding Tennessee's guest passenger laws, the intoxication exception, and the higher standard of proof required is an important first step toward protecting your rights. An experienced car accident lawyer in Knoxville can guide you through each stage of the process, help you understand your options, and work to secure the compensation you need to focus on healing. If you've been injured as a passenger of a drunk driver, getting sound legal support is not about blaming someone you care about—it's about safeguarding your future.

--

Butler, Vines and Babb is a leading law firm in Knoxville, TN, with extensive litigation experience in Medical Malpractice Law Birth Injury Law, Trucking Accident Law, Personal Injury Law, and Business Law. Contact us today at www.bvblaw.com or call 865-637-3531.

Please reference BV&B's content disclaimer (located in this channel's profile description) in regard to this shared content.