WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT LIABILITY AND CAR ACCIDENTS
Car accidents can be devastating in a number of ways. Apart from getting injured during the accident, there is also the legal and financial side of things. Currently, the total economic toll auto accidents take on the United States economy is about $250 billion. Here is what you need to know about liability and car accidents.
WHEN YOU GIVE SOMEONE YOUR CAR
Did you know that you can be liable if you give someone your car and they end up getting into a car accident? This is known as negligent entrustment. You will be found liable if you give your car to someone who is not fit to drive and they end up crashing into someone else or somehow causing an accident. For instance, if you give your car to someone without a driver's license or if you give your car to a drunk person. If someone is injured during the accident, they can hold the owner of the car liable for driver error and injuries.
OTHER PARTIES CAN BE LIABLE
It's not all times when you give someone your car that you risk being liable if that person gets into an accident. Sometimes you can give a licensed driver who is fully capable of driving, and they still end up in a car crash. The police also take into consideration the events that led to the accident. The other driver in the accident might be responsible for what happened. For instance, your car can be involved in a crash driven by someone under the influence of drugs. In such cases, you and your friend will not be held liable for driver error.
EMPLOYEE DRIVING A COMPANY CAR
In most cases, when employees are involved in car accidents, employers are held liable. However, this only applies to unintentional acts by an employee who is carrying out company duties. For instance, if an employee crosses a red light and ends up crashing into another vehicle, the employer will be held accountable. However, if an employee is involved in an accident outside working hours, they will deal with the accident on an individual level.
There are many things that come into play when it comes to car accidents and liability. For instance, an investigation will be done to find out who the wrong party is. This is why it is advisable to find a car accident attorney whenever one is involved in a car accident. They will help you clarify issues relating to driver error and other investigations.