In most situations, the details of a motor vehicle accident are pretty straightforward. The two drivers are both owners of their vehicles, and one person is the at-fault driver. However, every collision isn’t the same.
In situations where the driver isn’t the owner of the vehicle, permissive use has to be determined. So, what does California law have to say about these types of situations?
Well, in this article, we’ll take a closer look at what happens when someone else crashes your car. Just keep reading.
What Is Owner’s Liability?
Under California law, the owner of a motor vehicle is liable for damages caused by the use of that vehicle, even if the owner was not driving. This is known as owner’s liability, according to California Vehicle Code Section 17150.
However, there are some situations in which the owner may not be held liable. One of these is when the person who was driving the vehicle had the owner’s permission to use it. This is known as “permissive use.”
In order for permissive use to apply, the following must be true:
- The person who was driving the vehicle must have had the owner’s permission to use it.
- The person who was driving the vehicle must have been using it for a lawful purpose.
- The person who was driving the vehicle must have been using it in a way that was not contrary to the owner’s instructions.
If all of these conditions are met, then the owner may not be held liable for damages caused by the use of the vehicle.
When Is Permissive Use Not Applicable?
There are some situations in which the owner may still be held liable, even if the person who was driving the vehicle had the owner’s permission to use it. One of these is if the person who was driving the vehicle was under the age of 18.
Another situation in which the owner may still be held liable is if the person who was driving the vehicle was intoxicated at the time of the accident. If you have been involved in a motor vehicle accident in California, it is important to speak with an experienced attorney who can help you determine whether the owner’s liability or permissive use applies in your case.
If your vehicle was involved in a collision, click the highlighted link to find out more about how an accident lawyer can help you.
Understanding Owner’s Liability and Permissive Use
We hope this content helped you learn more about owner liability and permissive use. Sometimes, car accidents can get a bit sticky. That’s why you need a reliable accident attorney to represent you. This is especially true if your vehicle was struck by another driver who was at-fault for the accident.
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