As a car owner, one of your biggest concerns is avoiding wrecks and the legal and financial liability that comes along with them. However, what you may not realize is that you can be held responsible for any accident that your car is involved in, even if you’re not present in the vehicle.

Owning a car is a huge legal responsibility, which makes it important that you understand all the circumstances where you can be held at fault when your car is in an accident. Find out the different scenarios where a car owner can be at fault for an accident and learn why you should hire a car wreck lawyer.

Business Vehicles

Possibly the most common situation in which a vehicle owner is responsible for accidents involving their automobile is when the car in question is a company vehicle. As a business owner, you are responsible for your employees when they are acting at the behest of your business, and this extends to times they are operating a company vehicle.

Company vehicles are your property, and like any property that you own, you are legally required to make sure your company car is used safely and responsibly. If one of your employees gets in a wreck while driving a vehicle you have given them use of, you will be held legally responsible for covering any and all damages resulting from the accident.

Family Vehicles

If your family is like many across the country, then you probably have a family car that you allow your driving age children to use. If you allow your licensed teenage driver to operate your family vehicle, then you take on the legal accountability if they are involved in an accident.

In addition to allowing your child to drive your vehicle, you probably were required to give your consent before your child obtained your license, and until your child comes of age, you will be legally responsible for them every time they get behind the wheel. Before you allow your child to drive the family car, make sure you purchase additional insurance to protect yourself in the event of a wreck.

Allowing a Negligent Driver Behind the Wheel

Any time you loan your vehicle to another person, you can be held at fault for an accident that they cause, and this becomes an especially large problem when the person operating your vehicle is deemed a “negligent” driver.

A negligent driver is any person who is not capable of safely operating a vehicle, which can cover a broad range of people. Elderly drivers with limited capacities, intoxicated drivers, and unlicensed drivers are all considered negligent. To avoid legal and financial damage, make sure you never allow a negligent driver to operate your vehicle.

Talk with a Car Wreck Lawyer

No matter who’s behind the wheel, you need legal help after your car has been involved in an accident. Protect your interests by seeking legal representation from a car wreck lawyer at the Parrish DeVaughn Law Firm. Working with the experienced attorneys at Parrish DeVaughn means a guarantee that your case will be handled effectively and compassionately. Learn more about our services and how we can help with your car wreck case.