Although it may sound counter-intuitive, it is possible for an individual to be liable for a car crash in which he or she was not the driver. One scenario involves loaning a car to someone who is known to be a poor driver or otherwise has a history or poor driving behavior. Both the person who caused the crash and the owner of the car may face legal action under what is called vicarious liability.
Parents may also be liable for what their kids do while behind the wheel under what is known as the Family Car Doctrine. This may be true even if a child is not on that parent’s insurance policy.
If an employee gets in an accident while on the job, the employer may be liable as well. It is important to note that the employer is generally not liable for an accident if the employee was not authorized to use the vehicle.
A final scenario in which an individual may be indirectly liable for an accident is when a vehicle or road is constructed poorly. Product liability suits may be forthcoming if an accident occurs because an automobile is defective. Government agencies or workers may be held liable if a road is either repaired improperly or was not repaired at all.
After a car crash, an individual may suffer injuries that may linger for long periods of time. These injuries may make it impossible to work and enjoy time with family members. However, an attorney may be able to help an injured victim win compensation for medical bills and lost wages. It may also be possible to win compensation for lost future earnings as well.
