IfI was driving someone else’s car and caused an accident, what amI liable for if the car I was driving wasinsured but I was not?

Get Legal Help Today

Compare Quotes From Top Companies and Save

secured lock Secured with SHA-256 Encryption

IfI was driving someone else’s car and caused an accident, what amI liable for if the car I was driving wasinsured but I was not?

I was driving someone else’s car to school and I rear-ended someone. The car was insured but I was not, nor was the other driver. He called the insurance company and file a claim, informing them that I was driving. He wants me to sign vague contract stating that I am liable for all costs of the accident. If I was to not sign and not pay, could he take me to court? What am I liable for?

Asked on August 7, 2010 under Accident Law, California

Answers:

M.T.G., Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney

Answered 13 years ago | Contributor

DO NOT sign anything.  Most auto insurance polices have what is known as  "permissive use" provision in their policy which gives full or limited coverage to someone who drives an insured vehicle with permission of the owner.  Did the owner report the accident?  They need to to make sure that the coverage is in effect and to advise them that you had permission.  Included with the payment on the premiums is an understanding that the drivers driving with permission will be "indemnified" i.e., covered and defended in a lawsuit.  You will be required to give them your complete cooperation which includes a statement now and whatever is necessary in defending your case.  Good luck.

SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney

Answered 13 years ago | Contributor

NEVER sign an agreement that you are liable for all costs--that is an open-ended committment to pay anything, in any amount, traceable to the accident! That is the as bad as the worst outcome you could come to from being sued, even if you lost completely, so why do it?

If you are fault--which you probably are; the rear-driver in a collision like this is usually held to be at fault--the other party may collect his property damages; lost wages (if he took time off); other out-of-pocket (like towing); medical costs (if injured); and pain and suffering (if badly injured). However, not only must be fault be established, but these claims must be substantiated--i.e there must be evidence of them.

In a case like this, he could claim against the insurance of the car you were driving, or if they don't think they should pay, he'd have to sue the car's owner and they would defend under the policy; and/or he may sue the driver. (In a lawsuit, you may proceed against any at-fault parties.) Even if the insurer does pay, the insurance company may in turn sue you to recover your payments. So there is a good chance you will be sued by some party for damages  resulting from the accident, as described above.

Once and if you're sued, there will be a hard number that you can look at and evaluate whether to accept it and pay; whether to defend yourself in court; or whether to try to negotiate a somewhat better number to pay. Never simply agree to open-ended liability, and if sued--and if it's for more than a few hundred dollars--retain an attorney. If someone is basically just trying to get their deductible back (say, $500 -$1,000), you may wish to consider paying or settling to avoid the costs of defending yourself.


IMPORTANT NOTICE: The Answer(s) provided above are for general information only. The attorney providing the answer was not serving as the attorney for the person submitting the question or in any attorney-client relationship with such person. Laws may vary from state to state, and sometimes change. Tiny variations in the facts, or a fact not set forth in a question, often can change a legal outcome or an attorney's conclusion. Although AttorneyPages.com has verified the attorney was admitted to practice law in at least one jurisdiction, he or she may not be authorized to practice law in the jurisdiction referred to in the question, nor is he or she necessarily experienced in the area of the law involved. Unlike the information in the Answer(s) above, upon which you should NOT rely, for personal advice you can rely upon we suggest you retain an attorney to represent you.

Get Legal Help Today

Find the right lawyer for your legal issue.

secured lock Secured with SHA-256 Encryption