Can Claimants Sue an Owner of the Vehicle if the Owner was not a Driver in the Accident?

Car Accident in BrooklynQuestion:

Owner of the vehicle loaned the car to the driver who was at fault at large accident. Driver has his own insurance on this vehicle. Owner has his own policy. The claims from multiple parties most definitely will exceed limits on the driver’s and/or owners policy. Can owner of the vehicle be sued?

Answer:

The owner of the vehicle can absolutely be sued even though the owner was not personally involved in the accident.  In NY, if an owner gives permission to another to drive their vehicle, the owner is responsible for the actions (negligence) of the driver.

This legal question was provided by Avvo and answered by Jules Messinger an experienced Brooklyn Auto Accident Attorney. This does not consent an attorney client relationship.

Address Icon

We Practiced Over 50 Years At
26 Court St.
Suite 1503
Brooklyn, New York 11242

Currently Practice Resides At
40 Wall Street, Suite 2744
New York, New York 10005

Phone Icon 718-304-0550
Clock Icon

Monday-Friday:
9:00AM – 5:00PM

About Us

The personal injury law firm of Goldberg & Chase, LLP. in Brooklyn, New York represents clients throughout the New York (NYC) metropolitan area, including the five boroughs: Brooklyn, the Bronx, Manhattan, Staten Island, and Queens. The counties we serve include Suffolk County, Nassau County, Westchester County, and Putnam County.