If Someone Else Is Driving Your Car, And They Get In An Accident, What Happens?

Just imagine the following: someone else – a friend, perhaps – is driving your car and, while doing so, they get in a serious accident.

The sole question that this scenario leads to is as follows: what happens after? But, in order to answer this question properly, several legal possibilities must be clarified.

Going over what happens if someone else is driving your car, and they get in an accident while speaking with an California automobile accident attorney at Maire & Deedon, will allow you to protect yourself.

If Someone Else Is Driving Your Car, And They Get In An Accident, What Happens?

The exact answer to this question is dependent on the facts of the incident.

If, for example, you gave the person driving your car permission to do so, and they were the ones who caused a California car accident, then the claim the other person makes will go through your automobile insurance.

The above is true, even though you weren’t the one driving the car when the accident occurred.

On the other hand, if another person caused a car accident to the car your friend was driving, then they would be held liable for the accident, and you can file a claim with their insurance.

What If The Person Driving Your Car Didn’t Obtain Permission To Do So?

If a person is driving your car and they get in an accident, then your automobile insurance, or the other person’s automobile insurance, will almost always be held liable.

But this isn’t always true.

A person who borrows your car without asking you or steals it and then gets in an accident will almost always be held liable for the accident that occurs.

Just as an example, if someone breaks into your car, hot wires it, and then drives off, before getting into a serious car accident, then they will be held liable for the accident.

Even though the above is true, there is one notable exception that must be kept in mind.

The state of California can impose liability on you if you fail to take active precautions against other drivers taking your car.

One example of the above is keeping your keys in the car ignition and then not locking your car doors; if someone steals your car and gets in an accident, then, within this context, there is a chance you might be held liable.

Outside of the above, permissive use, within this context, can be very vague.

You might jokingly agree to let another person use your car, and if this can be proven, then you could still be held liable, even if you didn’t actually agree.

The best way to defend yourself from situations of this sort is to speak with an attorney.

Speak With A Northern California Automobile Accident Attorney

If you were involved in a car accident, in which another person damaged your car while driving or your car was damaged while another person was driving, then you need legal help.

Speak with a Northern California automobile attorney at Maire & Deedon today, and we will help you obtain the best possible legal outcome.