What Happens if Another Driver Causes an Accident in Your Car?

At some point, you are probably going to allow another driver to use your vehicle. Whether it is your teenage driver taking your car to football practice or a friend picking you up from the airport, there will probably come a time when someone else will be driving your car. But what happens another driver gets into an accident while driving your car?

Limited Liability for Vehicle Owners

When you allow another licensed driver to drive your vehicle, you do assume liability in the event of an accident. However, there are liability limitations for owners in these situations. An owner’s liability is limited to $15,000 for injury or death to a person, and $30,000 if the accident causes injuries to more than one person. Property damage liability is limited to $5,000.

Whose Insurance Covers the Accident?

If you give another driver permission to use your vehicle, they are covered by your car insurance policy. Additionally, anyone you list on your insurance policy is also covered by your insurance in the event of a crash. It is important to understand that car insurance follows the vehicle, not the driver. Thus, your insurance policy would be the primary coverage that would be applied first. The driver’s insurance would then act as secondary insurance, if necessary.

When a Vehicle Owner is Found Negligent

In certain cases, the owner of the vehicle can be found negligent if the driver gets into an accident. If the owner knows about a defect that vehicle has, yet lends the car anyway, he can be held fully liable for damages caused by the accident. Another reason the car owner might be considered negligent is if he knowingly allows an unlicensed driver to borrow his vehicle. Allowing an intoxicated person to drive your vehicle can also be grounds for negligence.

“Drivers should be selective about who they allow to drive their vehicles. Your insurance might cover the damages, but you can also expect your insurance rate to rise as a result,” said Attorney Walter Clark, founder of Walter Clark Legal Group.

Our firm has been handling personal injury cases throughout the California Low Desert and High Desert communities for over 30 years. With a 95% success rate, the California personal injury attorneys at Walter Clark Legal Group will fight to hold those responsible for your loss accountable and win compensation to cover medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If you have been injured in an auto accident and want to discuss your legal options, contact us today for a free consultation with an experienced personal injury lawyer. We have offices in Indio, Rancho Mirage, Victorville, and Yucca Valley and represent clients through the entire California Low Desert and High Desert communities.

DISCLAIMER: The Walter Clark Legal Group blog is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended as legal or medical advice. References to laws are based on general legal practices and vary by location. Information reported comes from secondary news sources. We do handle these types of cases, but whether or not the individuals and/or loved ones involved in these accidents choose to be represented by a law firm is a personal choice we respect. Should you find any of the information incorrect, we welcome you to contact us with corrections.

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