Negligent entrustment and vicarious liability lawsuits relate individuals providing vehicles to a friend, employee or family member. Under the legal theories, the court may hold the owner of a vehicle responsible for an accident even if they are not driving the car.
Negligent Entrustment
If you loan your car to an unsafe driver, it is irresponsible. You may also be found negligent. A personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit commonly names the owner of a car in addition to the driver. Even if no statute for “owner’s liability” exists, it may be possible to prove liability through the theory of “negligent entrustment.”
Family Car Doctrine
Another legal theory, known as the “Family Car Doctrine,” may serve to hold parents liable. The doctrine makes parents liable for damages caused by their child’s unsafe operation of a family-owned car. For this reason, parents should be careful when giving their teen permission to drive the family car.
Respondeat Superior And Vicarious Liability
The doctrines of “Respondeat Superior” and “Vicarious Liability” apply when an employer entrusts a vehicle to an employee. Employers may be liable for employees unsafely driving as part of the employee’s job responsibilities. As such, it is usual for lawsuits caused by employees on the job to include the employer or business as a defendant.
There are other situations in which these and other legal theories apply. By consulting with an Alaska personal injury attorney, you may be able to determine if these legal concepts apply to your case.
Contact Merdes Law Office, P.C. to meet with our highly experienced Alaska personal injury attorney to discuss your case: 907.452.5400 or visit www.merdes.com. And while we hope you never need us… We’re here if you do.
Source: FindLaw, “What do vicarious liability and negligent entrustment mean?“
