Liability for damage to a taxi that I was driving for an owner

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Liability for damage to a taxi that I was driving for an owner

I am self employed by a person who owns several taxis to drive for her. The taxi
broke down and another taxi was sent to tow me , however the cars collided as it
was being towed and both cars were damaged. The owner wants me to pay for
repairs which I do not know the cost of as yet. Should her insurance not cover this
and am I legally obliged to pay .

Asked on March 31, 2017 under Accident Law, Alaska

Answers:

SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney

Answered 7 years ago | Contributor

1) It doesn't matter if someone's insurance *should* cover a damage or a loss: they do not have to submit a claim, and are allowed to sue an at-fault person.
2) They key issue is: were you at-fault? That is, did you cause the accident or damage through unreasonable carelessness ("negligence") or not? If you were at fault, you can be held liable and have to pay (e.g. she could sue you and likely win); but if you were not at fault in causing the damage, you legally would not have to pay.
3) The above said, unless you have an employment contract guarantying you work, she could elect to stop employing you if she wants you to pay for her damage and you refuse to: that would be legal, since without a contract, she can elect to stop employing you for any reason whatsoever.


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