What will happen if a family member borrowed our car and was at fault for rear-ending a car which caused a chain reaction accident involving 4 other cars?

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What will happen if a family member borrowed our car and was at fault for rear-ending a car which caused a chain reaction accident involving 4 other cars?

She was charged with a D.U.I. All parties settled with our insurance company except 1, the first vehicle hit. Are we in any danger of being sued? Or, does the party go after directly after the driver?

Asked on November 11, 2014 under Accident Law, Pennsylvania

Answers:

SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney

Answered 9 years ago | Contributor

Yes, you are a very real danger of being sued. The owner of a car is liable for the actions of anyone he or she permits to use the car. So if the family member you let borrow your car was at-fault in an accident (and given that she was DUI and rear-ended someone else, she was at fault), you could be sued for any injuries, costs, damage, etc. she caused. The injured party doesn't have to sue you--he or she could just sue the driver--but could sue you if he or she wanted.


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