What Happens In Texas When You Let Someone Else Drive Your Car and They Get In an Accident?

What Happens In Texas When You Let Someone Else Drive Your Car and They Get In an Accident

If a friend needs to borrow your car, you may toss them the keys without thinking too much about it. This situation happens constantly, and there are rarely any issues with it. However, what happens if that friend gets into an accident with your vehicle?

Who will pay for the damage to your vehicle, and what happens if another driver is injured in the crash? Lending your car to someone else might seem harmless, but you could be stuck with liability if that person causes a car accident. Here are the things you need to know about letting someone else drive your car.

Liability for Texas Car Accidents

Texas is an “at-fault” state when it comes to auto insurance and liability for car accidents. This means that the driver responsible for the accident is also responsible for any property damage or injuries they cause. In most cases, the driver is also the owner of the vehicle. However, things can get slightly more complicated when the driver is not the owner.

Negligent Entrustment

In some cases, the vehicle owner may be held liable under a legal doctrine known as negligent entrustment. Negligent entrustment occurs when the owner lends their vehicle to someone they know is reckless or incompetent.

For instance, imagine you know your friend has a record of driving under the influence. If you still loan your vehicle to them, you could be held liable if they get into an accident while driving under the influence.

The Basics of Auto Insurance in Texas

Most automobile policies in Texas cover the vehicle and not a specific driver. So, your insurance policy will generally cover damages regardless of who is driving your car. However, you should always check your policy details to be sure.

There are a few situations when your insurance may not cover someone driving your vehicle. 

These include:

  • The driver is unlicensed
  • The vehicle is being used for commercial purposes
  • The driver is expressly excluded within your policy
  • Your insurance policy has lapsed

If you are driving someone else’s car and the owner does not have insurance, your insurance will typically pay for any damage you cause. Texas law requires that all vehicle owners carry a minimum of 30/60/25 coverage. This type of coverage includes $30,000 of coverage for injuries per person, up to a total of $60,000 per accident, and $25,000 of coverage for property damage.

Increasing your coverage beyond these minimum limits can be a good idea. If you cause an accident that results in severe injuries, your policy limits may not be enough to cover the victim’s losses. 

Examples of injuries that may exceed policy limits include:

Talk to your insurance agent to discuss your current policy details and options for increasing your liability limits.

What To Do After Someone Wrecks Your Car

You need to know what to do if someone is driving your vehicle and wrecks it. It is important that you take immediate action to protect yourself and your legal rights. 

Here are the steps you should take: 

  • Notify the police: Never try to hide the accident, as this will only lead to more legal complications. Make sure to notify the police and get an accident report. Inform the police who was driving the vehicle and explain the circumstances surrounding the accident.
  • Talk to your insurance company: Go ahead and report the accident to your insurance company. Tell your insurance company who was driving the vehicle, and give the insurance company the driver’s information. Your insurance company may conduct investigations to determine who was at fault, and you should always cooperate with them.
  • Talk to an attorney: Speak to an experienced car accident attorney to determine whether you might have any potential liability. Your attorney can explain your legal options and how to protect yourself from financial and legal consequences best.

Taking the steps above can help ensure that you are protected if someone else crashes your car.

How To Protect Yourself When Lending Someone Your Vehicle

If you decide to lend someone your vehicle, know the person’s history. You should be able to trust that they will operate the vehicle safely and responsibly. Additionally, check with your insurance provider to make sure this person will be covered while driving. Taking these steps can save you a lot of stress and money if an accident occurs.

Contact the Car Accident Law Firm of Parker Law Firm Injury Lawyers in Texas for Help Today

For more information, please contact an experienced car accident lawyer at Parker Law Firm Injury Lawyers to schedule a free initial consultation today. We have convenient locations in Fort Worth and Bedford, Texas.

Parker Law Firm Injury Lawyers – Fort Worth
209 N Hampton St,
Fort Worth, TX 76102

(817) 510-9400

Parker Law Firm Injury Lawyers – Bedford
2317 Plaza Pkwy #100,
Bedford, TX 76021

(817) 503-9200