Who is responsible for injured passengers – the driver of an uninsured vehicle or the registered owner?
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Who is responsible for injured passengers – the driver of an uninsured vehicle or the registered owner?
I left an uninsured vehicle that needed work done at my mothers house. Her husband decided to use it to drop off a friend of his. He slammed into a pole, totaled the car and injured the passenger. Now that my stepfather is deceased his friend is trying to sue me for the personal injuies that he sustained.
Asked on October 4, 2011 under Accident Law, Rhode Island
Answers:
S.L,. Member, California Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 12 years ago | Contributor
Sorry to hear about your stepfather.
The registered owner of the vehicle and the driver are both liable for the passenger's injuries. Since the vehicle was uninsured, the passenger could sue you the registered owner and your stepfather's estate for his injuries. The passenger's lawsuit for negligence would seek to recover damages (compensation) for the medical bills, pain and suffering and any documented wage loss. Compensation for the medical bills is straight reimbursement. Compensation for wage loss is straight reimbursement. Compensation for pain and suffering is an amount in addition to the medical bills. The medical reports will document the nature and extent of the passenger's injuries and will be used to support the amount of compensation for pain and suffering the passenger is claiming.
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