Who Is Liable If Someone Else Crashes Your Car?
By Christopher Hoffmann
Jul. 18, 2019 10:06a
Some car accidents are pretty straightforward. The at-fault driver generally has to pay compensation for pain and suffering. You will have to prove their negligence and file a claim with the help of your
St. Louis auto accident lawyer.
However, what happens when your car gets crashed, but you weren't behind the wheel? Are you responsible for another person's actions and can be held liable?
Liability Can Be a Tricky Thing
You may think that once you hand the car keys to another person, then they are responsible for what might happen while they are behind the wheel. But, that's not entirely true. There are cases when you may be held liable for a car crash even though you weren't the one driving.
Negligent Entrustment
If you borrowed your car to a person who was not fit for driving, then you may be held responsible in the event of a crash. We are talking here about individuals who were under the influence, were underage or inexperienced drivers, had a history of reckless behavior behind the wheel or were elderly and sick and unable to operate the vehicle safely.
Failure to Maintain Your Car Properly
Car owners have a responsibility to themselves and the other people they share the road with to keep their cars in working conditions. If your car wasn't maintained properly and it caused the driver to crash it, then you may be held liable under the basis of negligent maintenance.
Family Ties
More often than not, car accidents happen because the person driving didn't have enough experience and couldn't handle traffic conditions. Parents often allow their underage children to take the wheel and practice their skills. If the teen gets in a crash, then the parents are responsible for paying for damages as they allowed the child to drive, knowing that they lack the necessary experience and training.
What If My Car Was Taken without My Permission
You might be able to avoid paying compensation if your car was taken without your permission. However, the problem with these cases is that it's difficult to prove that you didn't allow the person to borrow your car and they often turn into a "she said, he said" debate. Things get more straightforward if your car got stolen and the thieves crashed it.
Get Legal Help
Some car accident cases can pose unique challenges. As you can see, you might not have anything to do with the accident, and you may still be held liable if you are not careful. Moreover, if you were injured in a crash and the driver wasn't the owner of the car, then you may have a complicated case ahead of you.
Either way, it's good to work with an experienced St. Louis car accident lawyer who can guide you and advice you on the best course of action.