If So, Under What Circumstances Can You Seek Damages from the Owner?
Can you sue the owner of a vehicle if someone else was driving? Is the owner of a motor vehicle ever liable for damages if he or she wasn’t behind the wheel at the time of an accident? If so, what must you show to successfully litigate a claim against a vehicle’s owner for the actions of another person?
The Inherent Dangers of Driving on the Road in Texas
Statistics compiled by the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) consistently put the Lone Star State at or near the top for motor vehicle accidents every year. TxDOT reports that an average of 10 motorists or their passengers lose their lives in a Texas motor vehicle accident every day.
In Texas Can You Sue the Owner of a Vehicle If a Someone Else Was Driving at the Time of the Accident?
Yes. Texas allows a motor vehicle accident victim to sue the owner in such a situation under a legal theory of “negligent entrustment.” Essentially, negligent entrustment means that the owner of the vehicle knowingly let someone else drive the vehicle which caused the accident. Specifically, to recover under a theory of negligent entrustment, you must show that:
- The owner of the vehicle knowingly provided it to the person who was driving
- The owner knew or should have known that the person who was allowed to drive was unlicensed, unfit or known to be reckless behind the wheel
- The third-party driver’s negligence caused the accident
Common examples of negligent entrustment include allowing an underage or inexperienced driver behind the wheel, allowing someone with a suspended or revoked license to drive, or allowing someone to drive who has a reputation or history for speeding, tailgating or reckless driving.
Let Attorney Michael R. De La Paz Protect Your Rights When You Have Been Hurt in a Texas Car Accident
At the Law Office of Michael R. De La Paz, we have more than 26 years of experience protecting the rights of personal injury victims in Harlingen, McAllen, Brownsville and Houston, across Texas and nationwide. We have a comprehensive understanding of the types of injuries commonly suffered in any type of motor vehicle accident, and know how to effectively present your case to a judge and jury, if necessary. We will use our considerable experience, skill, knowledge and resources to help you get the outcome you want. Free call, text or chat, 24 hours a day, seven days a week–https://delapazlaw.com/.
Handling Motor Vehicle Accident Lawsuits Nationwide, Including, but not limited to Texas, Florida, New Mexico, Illinois and Oklahoma