Can You Be Held Liable For Another Person’s Driving In California?

In California, when a car accident occurs, determining who’s at fault is the key problem to solve. If either or both drivers did not exercise reasonable care while driving, they can be held liable for any damages that result from the accident.

In most cases, this is the issue, however, in some rare occasions, the person who wasn’t even present at the vehicle at the time of the accident can be liable.

Car Accidents Caused By Employee Employee Drivers

If an employee is driving while on the clock and a car accident occurs, an employer may be held responsible if the driver was negligent instead of the driver. For example, if an employee violates a traffic law while driving the company car during work hours, the current employer may be held liable for whatever damages caused by the employee during the accident. This is because the vehicle is being used to perform a job or service.

Most importantly, however, that if an employee uses the company vehicle on the weekend, or any other time they are not working, the employer will usually not be held responsible for any negligence on the part of the driver. The reason is that the employee is not on company hours while using the vehicle. No matter the case, it is always best to speak with a car accident lawyer for some advice.

Can You Let Someone Else Drive Your Car?

Depending on what state you live in, the owner of a car may be held responsible for the negligent driving of someone else if they gave them permission to drive their car. In these states, the moment you give someone permission to drive your car, you are responsible for their actions.

Also, if you knowingly allow someone who does not know how to operate a vehicle to do so, you may be held liable for injuries and damages that result from a car accident. The act of allowing an inexperienced driver is known as negligent entrustment. In such a case, the plaintiff would need to be able to prove that the owner of the car was aware, or should have been aware, that the individual was an unfit driver at the time they gave them permission to drive the vehicle. California individuals who are unfit to operate a vehicle would include:

• Intoxicated drivers
• Unlicensed drivers
• Underage drivers
• Individuals with health conditions that affect their ability to safely operate a vehicle
• A driver who has a history of driving recklessly

What Happens When Parents Give Children Permission To Drive

Under negligent entrustment, a parent could be held responsible for any damages caused by an underage or inexperienced child driving their car. Also, in some states, when parents buy a car for general family use, whoever owns the vehicle can be held liable for the negligent actions of any family member driving the car. However, in California, this is known as vicarious liability. This is where the party is held liable for an injury or damages even though he/she didn’t cause it.

Get Legal Help From Experienced Car Accident Lawyers In California

If you have been involved in a car accident in the state of California due to the negligence of another driver, you will benefit from discussing your case with a qualified car accident lawyer in California.

To speak with an attorney at Krasney Law call us today at (909) 380-7200 or fill out our contact form. Our lawyers can evaluate your case for free and help you determine what the best course of action will be moving forward. Don’t take on the pressures of solving your case alone! Get the compensation you deserve!