Who Can Be Held Liable for a Car Accident In Florida?
After a car accident that was caused by a negligent driver, it may seem like common sense that the driver should be held liable for damages. You should know, however, that in some situations the law can assign liability to another person or company who may not have even been present at the time of the accident. It is important for accident victims to know who exactly can be held liable in any situation in order to gain the compensation they deserve.
Vicarious Liability
If an employee causes an accident while on the job, the employer can be held liable for the employee’s actions. For example, if some driving a company car for company-related business runs a red light and causes an accident, the employer can be held responsible and be liable for damages for any injury or property damage. Vicarious liability is common in commercial truck accidents where a trucking company is held liable for the actions of truck drivers.
Negligent Entrustment
Negligent entrustment can occur when a person loans his or her car to a person who may be unfit to drive. This can occur when a car is loaned to a person who is intoxicated, unlicensed, underage, inexperienced, elderly, ill or has a history of reckless driving. If a person is aware that the person driving his or her car should not be trusted to drive responsibly, that person can be responsible for damages.
Negligent entrustment can also apply to the parents of teenage driver. It is possible for parents to be held liable for a car accident caused by one of their children. If a parent lets their licensed child drive the family car, even though the parent knows the child’s inexperience and immaturity can make him or her unfit to drive responsibly, then the parents can be liable for damages in the event of an accident.
For more information regarding your rights following a car accident, contact an experienced Fort Lauderdale car accident attorney from the Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato at 1-954-633-8270.
