What Happens if Someone Else Driving My Car Got in an Accident?

Letting someone borrow your vehicle can seem like an innocuous action. If you trust them enough to invite them into your home, why wouldn’t you trust them to use your car?

Unfortunately, there can be unintended consequences to lending someone your keys.

Whether they were responsible for getting into an accident or were on the receiving end of someone else’s negligent or reckless actions, you may face a number of challenges, both from the law and from your insurance company depending on your policy.

If you willingly let someone borrow your vehicle and they’re involved in a crash while driving it, it’s very likely that your insurance policy will cover the necessary repairs. Most auto insurance policies follow the vehicle and not the driver, so it will still apply when someone else is behind the wheel.

This isn’t true for every policy, so it’s important to review and understand your coverage before entrusting anyone else with your vehicle. If your insurance does cover other drivers and ends up covering the cost of the accident, it is likely that your insurance premiums will increase following the accident.

If the person you lent your vehicle to was found to be responsible for the crash, they’ll be the one held liable for any damages caused.

However, there are some exceptions to this. You could also be held liable for their actions if it’s found that you were negligent in entrusting them with the operation of your vehicle.

You could be found negligent if:

• The person you lent your vehicle to did not have a valid driver’s license.
• The driver was under the influence of drugs or alcohol when you lent them your vehicle. In these situations, you could potentially face criminal charges.
• The accident was caused by a mechanical failure you were aware of before lending your vehicle to the driver.

What Happens if Someone Stole My Car and Got Into an Accident?

If your vehicle was taken without your permission and is then involved in an accident, it’s extremely unlikely that you’ll be held liable in any way, either through your insurance policy or legally.

You may need to prove that your vehicle was either stolen or used by someone else without first securing your permission, which can typically be done by filing a police report or testifying if the case goes in front of a judge. In either situation, the at-fault driver will likely be responsible for covering any damages caused by the crash, and your insurance premiums will likely remain unchanged.

If you were seriously injured in a car crash caused by someone else’s actions, you deserve the chance to fight for the compensation you’re owed. You shouldn’t be on the hook to pay for damages to your vehicle, medical bills, or anything else related to your accident.

At Pittman, Roberts & Welsh, PLLC, our Jackson car accident attorneys are passionate about providing knowledgeable and dedicated representation for our clients to secure the legal outcome they need.

With more than 150 years of collective experience, you can rest assured that your case is in good hands when you hire us to represent you in court or at the negotiation table.

Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with a member of our firm.