Should I lend my car to a friend?
As an accident attorney devoted to helping individuals involved in all types of mishaps, I am often asked whether it’s okay to lend someone your vehicle. The answer depends on whether you are willing to be responsible for the negligence of the person driving your car. That’s right, if the person driving your car crashes, you could be held civilly responsible for the damage(s) and injuries caused by the person driving your car. This concept is known as the dangerous instrumentality doctrine.
The dangerous instrumentality doctrine is not a new concept. In fact, the concept derives from the master and servant relationship, which holds the master responsible for the negligence of his servant. Thus, the next time you are considering allowing someone borrow your vehicle, remember you could be exposing yourself to becoming civilly responsible for the harm caused.
For more information regarding the dangerous instrumentality doctrine or any other accident inquiries, contact Rafael M. Diaz, Esq at the LaBovick Law Group.
