Liability for Car Accidents: Understanding Responsibility Beyond the Driver
It may be hard to believe, but you can be held responsible for a car accident even if you weren’t driving your vehicle. If someone else drives your vehicle and gets into the accident, you may be liable for the other driver’s damages.
According to the concept of imputed negligence, the responsibility of a vehicle accident can change from person to person depending on the circumstances as a car accident lawyer Phoenix trusts can attest.
- A Child Drives Their Parent’s Car
Many parents allow their teenagers to drive their car sometimes. However, if their teenage driver causes an accident, they will be responsible for covering the damages, which may include medical expenses, lost wages and pain and suffering. If a teen driver gets into an accident with a bus, the expenses can get very high.
- Negligent Entrustment: The negligent entrustment doctrine states that the person who gives another person permission to operate a vehicle will take responsibility for negligent behavior behind the wheel.
- Family Purpose Doctrine: The family purpose doctrine states that the parent, who is the owner of the vehicle, will be led liable for the child’s negligence. Should the parents sign the minor’s driving license application, the signatory will automatically become legally answerable for the child’s negligent driving.
- An Employee Driving a Company Vehicle
Some jobs require employees to drive a company vehicle. If an employee gets into an accident while behind the wheel of a company vehicle, the employer is held legally responsible. This is why most employers thoroughly check an applicant’s driving history before hiring them to drive a company vehicle. They want to make sure the job applicant hasn’t caused any accidents or has excessive points on his or her driving record.
- Lending Your Vehicle To Another Person
Individuals who want to lend their vehicles to family members or friends should consider the consequences first. If they allow to drive their car causes an accident, they will be responsible for all the accident damages.
- An Incompetent or Unfit Motorist Uses Your Vehicle
It’s against the law for individuals to to let incompetent drivers to operate their vehicle. These unfit drivers include intoxicated people, unlicensed motorists, elderly citizens who lose their driver’s licenses and drivers with a reckless driving history.
Some area requires individuals to acquire a special license before operating a bus. Those who don’t carry this license are considered unfit to drive a bus.
