Liability When the Owner is Not the Driver

One thing you need to know: When it comes to car accident liability there's a fine line between the driver and the owner of a vehicle.

In some instances, the owner isn't always the driver of the vehicle inasmuch as the driver isn't always the owner. In a car accident, both people can be held liable if some details can be proven. For instance, did the owner of the car lend the driver the keys prior to the accident? Or did the driver take the car without the owner’s knowledge?

Non-owner liability is useful when you're hit by a vehicle belonging to a company, with the driver an employee for that company. You can demand compensation from the company that owns the car, as it is their responsibility to ensure the proper conduct of their employees. If it happened on a non-work day, however, the company cannot be held liable.

There are instances when the original owner can be held liable in an accident when the car is stolen. To do this, there must be proof of negligence on the part of the owner such as leaving the car keys in the ignition. Otherwise, the issue of car theft can take precedence in roadside accident liability, which can be used in the defense.