Roderick C. Lopez | December 9, 2024 | Car Accidents
Most of us have let a friend or relative borrow our vehicles from time to time. Anytime this happens, there is a risk that the other person will get in an accident while driving your car. What happens next?
Understanding the legal implications and knowing what to do afterward is critical when you let someone else drive your car and they were involved in a crash. A car accident lawyer can help you navigate the next steps following an accident.
What Are My Options if the Person Driving My Car Was At Fault?
Your auto insurance plan usually becomes involved if the person borrowing your car causes an accident. In Texas, an auto insurance policy generally follows the vehicle, and the owner’s insurance will be the primary insurance connected to the car. If you give another driver permission to use your car, your insurance will typically cover damages caused by that driver.
Most liability coverage options will cover damages caused by another driver at fault for an accident – up to the policy limits. This system helps to simplify matters and control costs. It is possible that the accident victim could file a lawsuit, but the initial compensation typically will be disbursed through your insurance.
What Happens When The Other Driver Caused The Crash?
If the other driver was at fault for the crash, liability will shift to their insurance policy. Their provider will be required to cover damages up to policy limits once fault is shown on the part of their insured.
If your losses exceed the other driver’s policy limits, you can seek damages based on their negligence. To prove negligence in a car accident case, you’ll need to prove four elements:
- Duty of care. The other driver has a responsibility to follow traffic laws and drive safely.
- Breach of duty. If the other driver failed to drive carefully and follow the rules of the road, they breached their duty of care.
- Causation. There must be a causal connection between the driver’s breach of duty and the accident itself.
- Damages. The accident victim must have suffered actual damages due to the accident.
These elements must be supported by evidence such as police reports, medical reports, photographs, video, witness testimony, and other proof of the accident.
Contact the Laredo Car Accident Attorneys at Roderick C. Lopez Personal Injury Lawyers. Call Us at (956) 529-7336
If someone borrowed your car and got into an accident in Laredo, TX, you will find yourself dealing with insurance companies and the potential for legal action.
In either event, a car accident lawyer with experience in these situations can provide valuable advice to help you move forward. You don’t have to go through the process alone – set up a free consultation with an attorney to get started.
If you need legal help, contact our law firm at Roderick C. Lopez Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free case review today.
We are located in Laredo, TX, proudly serving Webb County and surrounding areas. We are located in Laredo, Texas.
Roderick C. Lopez Personal Injury Lawyers
6557 Metro Court, Suite 1 Laredo, TX 78041
(956) 529-7336
