After a car crash, liability is usually a straightforward matter. The vast majority of collisions occur due to mistakes that people make in traffic. The driver who tailgated someone else or turned the wrong way on a one-way street is usually the party with legal and financial liability for the collision. However, the individual at fault for a wreck may not have very robust insurance coverage. They may also lack the personal resources necessary to adequately compensate others after a collision puts someone in the hospital or claims a life.
Those affected by a motor vehicle collision might need to look into other options for compensation. There are some scenarios in which a business has liability for a wreck. When might a company rightfully incur financial responsibility for a crash?
When a worker is to blame
Many different professionals have to occasionally drive as part of their jobs. Someone does not need to work as a delivery professional or a semi-truck driver to find themselves on the road while on the clock. Vicarious liability rules typically pass financial responsibility for crashes to employers if they occur during a worker’s shift. If the party who caused the crash was on the job, then their employer might actually be responsible for the damages caused by the collision.
When vehicle issues caused a crash
There are two scenarios in which issues with a vehicle might lead to liability for a company after a collision. The first involves a crash caused by defective vehicle parts. If vehicle components fail or malfunction and directly cause a crash, then either the vehicle manufacturer or the company that produced the defective component may be liable for the incident.
If someone recently took their vehicle in for service or repairs, the repair shop or mechanic could be liable. When an unprofessional mistake made while working on a vehicle is the underlying factor that caused the crash, then the party that failed to properly repair or rebuild the vehicle could be responsible for the costs the crash caused.
When a drunk driver patronized a business before causing a crash
Connecticut’s dram shop law creates financial liability in situations where employees at a business fail to comply with liquor laws. If workers served an underage driver or someone visibly drunk, the business could be liable if that patron leaves and causes a serious collision.
Exploring all potential options for compensation can make a major difference for those struggling with the financial consequences of a recent motor vehicle collision. Seeking legal guidance is a good way to get started.
