When you’re in a car accident, it’s a traumatic time. Of course, you don’t think you did anything wrong, and you just want to be compensated for your injuries. Proving liability, however, can be tricky, especially when insurance companies fight for the other side. In fact, there are times when the owner of a vehicle who was not driving or even in the car when the accident occurred may be held liable. Learn when the car owner is at fault for the accident, and how, if you find yourself the victim of an accident, a Beverly Hills car wreck lawyer can help.
Employee-Driven Vehicles
If you are in an accident where the driver of the other vehicle was behaving in a negligent manner or driving irresponsibly, but you discover that they are not the owner of the vehicle, the actual owner may be at fault. This is especially true if the driver is the employee of a company who is driving a company car in the course of their job. In such a circumstance, the actual vehicle owner can be held liable. In effect, companies are liable for the behavior of their staff.
Loaner Vehicles
Another circumstance where a vehicle owner could be held liable is in the case of a loaner vehicle. If a negligent driver is behind the wheel of a car that was loaned to them by a friend, family member or acquaintance, the vehicle owner can be held liable for the actions of the person driving their car. The idea of responsibility for someone else’s negligence with your car is called negligent entrustment.
This also applies in situations where parents let their kids drive their car. If your teen is behind the wheel of your new SUV and strikes another person while behaving irresponsibly, you can actually be held liable for their actions. This is especially true if it can be shown that you knew the child to be reckless or even inexperienced, or if you’ve signed their driver’s license.
Determining Incompetence and Negligence
If a driver behind the wheel of a car falls under certain categories, they can almost automatically be considered to be incompetent, and the car’s owner can be held liable for their actions. This includes intoxicated drivers, those who are unlicensed, underage or inexperienced, seniors of advanced age, those who have an illness or suffer from conditions that affect focus and concentration, or those who have a documented history of driving recklessly.
Beverly Hills Car Wreck Lawyer
If you’ve been in a car accident and need compensation for your injuries, it’s important to understand who may be at fault. You could be entitled to medical bills, lost wages, lost potential, rehabilitation, pain and suffering, emotional damage and more, but only if you take the right steps at the right time.
A successful and experienced Beverly Hills car accident lawyer knows how to protect your rights and be by your side every step of the way. When the time comes to get compensation for your auto accident-related injuries, don’t try to go it alone. Read about our firm and get in touch with us to discuss your case at no cost and no obligation today.
