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. 

A Close Look at the Challenges of Driving in Toronto

If you drive along Toronto's roads on your way to work or school and back, you know how much of a hassle it can be to get caught in a nightmarish jam. Having to deal with drivers prone to road rage can be a headache, but trying to understand careless pedestrians or bicycle riders who act like they're driving a truck can also be very frustrating.

“Count your blessings”, you might tell yourself. “At least I don't have to take public transport.” Even so, driving your own car is fraught with challenges, and one of those challenges is to prevent clueless but gutsy pedestrians from bumping into your car.

When countdown timers were put up in some Toronto intersections, many people believed that it was going to make both motorists and pedestrians more careful on the road. It seems that cautiousness, however, is relative. If a pedestrian has all the time in the world to spare, he is will be willing to wait for his turn to cross the street. Otherwise, you, as a driver, should not let go of the patience you were taught to adapt in driving school.

If you somehow figured in an accident that is by no means your fault in the first place, consult a local car accident lawyer. He'll be able to prove that you abide by Toronto's traffic rules.