Simple question will i be held responsible? Two days ago my work van was invoved in an accident. I did not give anyone permission to drive, because there was no insurance on the van. It was parked at my workers' house until I could get it insured again. The worker willingly and knowingly of this info. lets another friend of his drive the van to take some chick home and he claims the van shot off after he put it in gear (with a billy club on the van) and was unable to stop. The van drove stright into a building and on top of another car. The police knows who the driver is and served him citations. My question is, "She he (the driver) have to pay or should I (the owner of the van) have to pay? I feel he should because no one had permission. (its like who's to blame for someone getting shot.......the owner of the gun or the person who shot the gun?) PLEASE OFFER SOME TYPE OF ASSISTANCE!!!!!!!
2007-07-22 03:54:01 · 4 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
I Live in the State of Missouri. The only reason I canceled my previous auto insurance was because my van got stolen and all I had was liability. Its an old van not worth more than $500-1000. So reeporting would be a waist of time. I was about to get insurance so my worker could start back working, and then this crap happens. I really feel it should be the driver's fault especially since the police know he was the one driving without my permission.
2007-07-22 04:04:14 · update #1
You should consult an attorney in Missouri, because that state's law may be different - but, in most states, the owner of the vehicle is not absolved of liability, because it is forseeable that if you give one person permission to use your vehicle (whether or not it is insured) that the person may allow someone else to use it. That having been said, the driver is also liable...but your state may make both of you equally liable (what lawyers call joint and several liability) meaning that both of you are held fully responsible for the damage, and the plaintiff can collect any or all from either of you.
2007-07-22 04:23:15 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Any and all attorneys cannot answer you, because the laws depends on your state, and only an attorney licensed in that state can give you legal advice.
The laws you are talking about involve agency and accountability practices that are not uniform. Some states hold the owner responsible regardless, some only if the owner gave permission (even implictly). So it matter what state you are in, and what laws apply.
And a gun is not the same as a car, because different laws apply. Conceptually, the analogy works. But in practice, there are usually specific laws that apply to guns, and different specific laws that apply to cars, and they often are different.
2007-07-22 10:59:23 · answer #2 · answered by coragryph 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When my fiance gets off work I am going to ask him. He doesnt get off till 5 central time but he is a claims rep for a top auto insurance company. Hang in there ! he will know:), Could you post info about what type of insurance you have? that will help
2007-07-22 10:58:33 · answer #3 · answered by ash 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The person who was driving the van is responsible.
2007-07-22 11:00:17 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋