If your vehicle is involved in an accident that takes place in California, you could be held liable for it. This may be true even if someone else was driving the car or truck at the time of the collision.
When you’re responsible for damages caused by another driver
Typically, you are held responsible for the actions of anyone who has permission to drive your vehicle. You could face additional penalties for allowing an unlicensed driver to operate your car or truck. This could also be the case if you hand over the keys to someone who is clearly under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
When you aren’t responsible for damages caused by another driver
Generally speaking, you are not responsible for another driver’s actions if he or she didn’t have permission to drive your vehicle. If this individual is an excluded driver, he or she will likely be on the hook for any damages that others incur as a result of his or her negligent actions. An excluded driver is someone who is not included on a vehicle’s insurance policy because that person has a poor driving record or has been convicted of a DUI.
If your car was involved in a motor vehicle accident, it may be a good idea to have an attorney represent your interests throughout the legal process. Counsel may be able to prove that the car was taken without your permission or that another person or entity was partially or wholly responsible for the crash. This may result in a favorable outcome.