Florida readers understand the importance of holding the appropriate parties accountable after a car accident. Victims have the right to seek compensation from the individuals responsible for their pain and suffering, but sometimes it can be difficult to determine who is actually liable. This is an important, yet potentially complex, step in building a strong personal injury claim.
If you were hurt in a car accident caused by the negligent or reckless actions of another driver, the person behind the wheel is likely the one liable for damages. However, that is not always the case. It is smart to seek an evaluation of your case in order to identify all liable parties before you move forward with your claim.
Who could be liable?
There are times when the person driving the car is not actually liable for the accident, or there may be a third-party you can also name in your personal injury claim. Vicarious liability is a complex aspect of some injury claims, and you may find it helpful to understand the following:
- If a person willingly loaned his or her vehicle to a person who is a bad driver, the owner of the vehicle could be liable for damages.
- When a minor causes a car accident, it is possible his or her parents could be financially liable for the consequences.
- An employer could be liable for an accident caused by an employee driving a company vehicle.
- When a manufacturer makes a car with faulty parts or a road is dangerous by design or construction, you may be able to name a third-party in a civil claim.
Due to the principle of vicarious liability, there may be multiple sources of financial compensation available to you. It is beneficial to take steps to understand who is truly to blame and responsible for your pain, suffering and financial loss.
Getting what you need to get better
Moving forward after a serious accident is not easy. It can be complex to navigate the civil claims process, but this is not something you have to do alone. You have the right to seek guidance regarding your potential personal injury claim as soon as possible after your accident.
A thorough evaluation and explanation of your rights is a smart first step after an auto crash. This allows you to understand what factors played a role in what happened to you and what you can do to protect your long-term financial interests.