Too many people are killed in car crashes caused by drivers who should never have been behind the wheel. It might have been a teenager who didn’t have the experience or skills to be driving the family SUV. Perhaps it was an elderly driver who should have had their keys taken away a long time ago, but their family just didn’t want to confront them.
You might be able to hold these negligent drivers responsible in civil court, but you may not be able to get anywhere near the compensation you need to cover your loved one’s medical expenses and burial costs and fill the financial void that’s left if you depended on their income.
However, it may be possible to hold others liable for the negligent entrustment of a vehicle to a teen or elderly driver. The idea is that parents and other family members may have what’s known as vicarious liability for the actions of an unsafe driver to whom they intentionally entrusted their vehicle.
Likewise, if the at-fault driver was in a company vehicle, that person’s employer may be held liable for their actions under the same vicarious liability principle. However, the driver generally needs to have been on a work-related trip or errand at the time of the crash.
If a loved one was killed in a car crash caused by another driver and you believe that someone else can and should be held legally responsible for that driver’s actions, it’s wise to consult with an experienced Biloxi wrongful death attorney. They can assess the situation, review your options with you and help you seek the compensation you need and deserve as you and your family move forward.
