Legal Definitions - passenger

A passenger is someone who is traveling in a car, train, boat, airplane, or any other vehicle that is not driving or operating the vehicle. Passengers are owed a duty of care by the person or company that is responsible for the vehicle they are traveling in.

For example, if you are riding in a taxi, the taxi driver has a duty to drive safely and get you to your destination without any harm. If you are on a plane, the airline has a duty to make sure you are safe and comfortable during the flight.

However, there are some differences between paying passengers and non-paying passengers. Paying passengers are those who have paid for their transportation, while non-paying passengers are usually friends or family members of the driver or operator. In some states, non-paying passengers are not allowed to sue the driver or operator for injuries caused by simple negligence. This is known as the Guest Statute.

For example, if you are riding in a car with a friend and they get into an accident because they were not paying attention, you may not be able to sue them for your injuries if your state has a Guest Statute.