Can the registered owner of a car be held liable for an accident? This is a common legal query, especially when the driver causing the accident is not the owner. Yes, the registered owner can be liable under certain conditions, such as negligence or improper vehicle use.

The above situations need to be clearly understood as it would affect the results of a liability claim in St. Louis, MO. In such cases, Burger Law helps victims through all such legal complexities. If you’ve been in a car accident, call (312) 966-4657 to discuss your case with an experienced attorney.

When Is the Owner of the Car Liable for an Accident?

In some cases, the registered owner of a motor vehicle may be found liable at law even though they were not driving at the time of the accident. The law of vicarious liability usually holds vehicle owners responsible for the actions of another with whom they entrusted their vehicle.

For instance, courts will hold the owner liable if they allow someone known for reckless driving to use the car, uses drugs or has a suspended license, he still allows him to drive his car. This can be called negligent entrustment. In Missouri, this type of evidence commonly proves liability when the owner fails to exercise reasonable caution before letting somebody use his car.

Furthermore, companies with company cars can also be held liable in cases where their employees are involved in an accident during the course of work. Courts may extend liability if the owner poorly maintains the vehicle and had caused a mechanical failure that contributed to the incident.

Is the Registered Owner of a Car Liable for an Accident When Someone Else Was Driving?

Generally, a registered car owner’s liability when another is driving flows from the specific facts of a particular accident. A registered owner may be held liable under Missouri law if they have permitted another person to drive their registered vehicle and a negligence action arises as a result. This means, for example, that when a vehicle’s owner lends his car to a friend or a member of the family who caused an accident, he may still be held liable, particularly if he knew the incompetence or carelessness of the driver.

If it had been taken without permission-as it would have been in a theft, for instance-the registered owner would not normally be held liable for damages. In apportioning liability, state law draws an important line between knowing and unknowing uses.Missouri Statute 304.153 provides the vehicle’s owner will not be held liable if a stolen car causes an accident.

Examples of Negligent Car Entrustment

Negligent entrustment occurs when registered owners allow unfit or irresponsible drivers to use their vehicles. Below are a few examples:

• Allowing the car to be driven by a person with a revoked or suspended driver’s license.
• Giving the car to a driver under intoxication, impaired, or influence of drugs.
• Allowing a minor without a proper license or driving experience to use the vehicle.
• Allowing a reckless or dangerous driver to use the vehicle.
• Failing to inform the driver about overdue maintenance, leads to a preventable accident.

The above scenarios make the owner liable for failing to use reasonable care in choosing who drives their car. Missouri case law supports the argument that owners have a responsibility to prevent foreseeable injuries caused by negligent entrustment.

“I’ve dedicated my entire life to helping our clients receive full compensation for their injuries.”

Gary Burger

Personal Injury Attorney

How Can an Attorney Help You Establish Liability?

Establishing liability in the case of a car accident can be very complicated, especially in cases that involve multiple parties. An experienced car accident attorney will gather evidence to prove the registered owner’s liability. This may include:

• Whether or not the driver was licensed to drive the vehicle.
• Study of the vehicle’s history regarding maintenance and mechanical failures.
• Proof of the owner knowing of the driver’s incompetence or recklessness.

Gather the statements of eyewitnesses, police reports, and expert testimony to prove his case. If you’re injured in a car accident due to someone’s negligence, act quickly to establish their liability in court.

Contact Our St. Louis Car Accident Lawyers Today

Establishing liability is challenging and requires a sound legal strategy. Liabilities are going to be hard to prove, and this will require a fine legal strategy. This is where Burger Law comes in: we are a litigation firm with our office at 501 North Broadway, Suite 1860, St. Louis, Missouri 63102. We have wide-ranging experience in claims emanating from automobile collisions. Give us a call now at [dynamic-phone-number] for a free consultation. Let us argue for your rights and help you get the justice that you have a right to.