There is a major question among people: if you have a car and you have given it to your friend or some relative, and they met with an accident, what is the next step in this? Have you ever thought about the legal process in such cases? If not, then don’t worry; we will answer every
detailed point in this article.
If you are a car owner, you have to be liable for the accident and face legal repercussions. However, personal injury lawyers will explain more about this case, and you can get to learn more about personal injury law from the lawyers.
Understanding the Liability for Accidents When Someone Else Was Driving
It is often misunderstood by the car owners that they are not liable for the accident if they were not driving the car. However, the laws say different things about car owners. It states that the owners are responsible for the actions of other drivers in the car. It comes under the dangerous instrument doctrine, which clarifies that cars are dangerous instruments. Therefore, owners have to ensure that they hand over their vehicles to safe and responsible drivers to operate their vehicles.
If you are allowing dangerous drivers to drive your car, then you are responsible for the accident even if you were not present at the accident spot.
What Happens With the Insurance of the Car?
As per law, the insurance is applicable in this case where the other driver is operating the car. The insurance company has to provide compensation to pedestrians or other vehicles, even if the driver was someone else. This law differs from state to state, and therefore, you must check the law before relying on it.
What is Express and Implied Permission?
Express permission is when you allow your friend to drive the car because you have a headache. So you have given express permission to your friend to drive.
Implied Permission is when the permission is based on past actions. If you have said to your younger brother that every Saturday he can take your vehicle, and this Saturday too, he took your vehicle and met with an accident. So, in this case, too, you will be liable for it because you had given implied permission to him.
What Happens If You Are Hurt Driving Someone Else’s Car?
If you are driving someone else’s car and you meet with an accident and suffer injuries. In this case, you don’t have to turn to your insurance company; the car owner’s insurance company will pay your medical bills. The car driver will be liable partially only if there was reckless driving or the use of drugs or alcohol.
