What happens if i wreck a borrowed car

The Silver Spring car accident attorneys at Goldberg Finnegan can listen to the details of your claim in a free consultation. We charge you nothing up front and there is no obligation to have us represent your claim. We only get paid when you do. Below, our attorneys explain who could be liable for damages caused in a car accident if you let someone else borrow your vehicle.

Generally, if you loaned your car out to a friend or family member and that person is involved in an accident, your insurance company would be primarily responsible for covering the damages. However, there are certain situations where this may not be the case.

Having permission to borrow the vehicle plays a critical role in determining liability for damages caused in a car crash. If permission was granted to a person who has been known to be an irresponsible driver, it could be considered negligent entrustment. In other words, you were negligent by lending your car to this person as there may have been a greater risk of an accident.

When someone else is injured in an accident with your vehicle, the primary coverage will be from your bodily injury liability insurance. Liability coverage helps pay for medical expenses and other damages sustained by passengers, other drivers and pedestrians. Car insurance companies are notorious for refusing to cover the full extent of damages, especially if someone else was driving your car.

Insurers may try to use the following reasons to avoid paying for the damages:. If you are having trouble getting the insurance company to cover damages, we recommend contacting an experienced lawyer. Your insurance rate may increase due to the accident. You may be fully liable if the driver is uninsured. Depending on the severity of the accident, you may not be able to cover the damages and drivers involved in the accident may sue you for more compensation for their injuries and property damage.

If it can be proved that someone borrowed your car without permission, and was an at-fault driver in a car accident, you may forfeit liability. ORG explains who is liable in each of the following non-permissive use situations:. If your car has been involved in a car accident while someone was borrowing it, call today to speak with a car accident lawyer to discuss your options. Created by our team of legal writers and reviewed by James P.

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