If a person in your household takes your vehicle without your knowledge and has an accident, as the owner are you responsible for the damages?
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If a person in your household takes your vehicle without your knowledge and has an accident, as the owner are you responsible for the damages?
Asked on May 18, 2015 under Accident Law, Texas
Answers:
S.L,. Member, California Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 8 years ago | Contributor
If the person took your car and was at fault in the accident, you are liable for the property damage (cost of repairs) to the party who was not at fault in the accident. You are also liable for the personal injujry claim(s) of the occupants of the vehicle that was not at fault in the accident. The personal injury claim(s) will include compensation for the medical bills, compensation for pain and suffering (an amount in addition to the medical bills) and compensation for wage loss.
You are liable because you are the registered owner of the vehicle. You can sue the person who took your car to recover the amount of the judgment against you in the above claims.
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