Florida Supreme Court Rules: Car Owners are Liable

On April 10, 2014 the Florida Supreme Court ruled in Christensen v. Bowen that an individual who has his/her name on the title of a vehicle as co-owner is vicariously liable under the dangerous instrumentality doctrine even though he/she never intended to be the car owner and claimed to giving up control of the car to another co-owner. Simply, if your name is on the title and even though you :1) do not have access to the car where it is parked; 2) you do not have keys to the car; 3) you simply intended the car as a gift; and 4) you did not drive the car, you will be found (liable) for any negligence committed by the driver of said car. In the Christensen case, Mr. Christensen the Defendant and Petitioner (the co-owner named on the title) was in divorce proceedings at the time of the accident. Note to the wise: Make sure if you are getting divorced that you transfer the interest to the person that will be driving the car. If you keep the interest in the car, i.e., your name on the title, you could be held liable for any car accidents that the driver causes.

If you or a loved one is injured or is a victim of a car accident, it is important to seek legal counsel as soon as possible. A personal injury attorney will be able to document and preserve evidence that will support your potential claim. A car accident lawyer will also be able to request documents such as a your medical records, police records, and court records which will all potential help your future case. Jeffrey R. Davis, P.A., has a vast experience representing injured victims in personal injury and car accident matters. Jeffrey Davis has represented hundred of individuals as a result of the careless driving of others. Jeffrey Davis, car accident attorney, may be able to help you obtain the justice you deserve.

It is important that if you or a loved one is injured in a car accident, you obtain as much information that you can regarding the other driver/party (insurance information, tag, name, address, etc.). You should also make sure that you tell police a simple and concise explanation of how the accident happened. Make sure that you do not accept money or sign any type of release at the scene of the accident. Also, do not get into a fight or an argument with the other driver. Make sure that you do not speak to anyone at the scene other than the police. Many times, an insurance company will send out an immediate response team. They are not on your side. In addition, your insurance may come out to the scene to prove that the accident was your fault or that you were not injured. Olga Porven, Esq., an attorney with Jeffrey R. Davis, P.A., is a former insurance defense attorney. She is well aware of what the insurance companies are capable of and has the experience in dealing with insurance companies to help you obtain potential compensation in your case.

Contact Jeffrey R. Davis, P.A. for a free consultation. One of our attorneys will gladly speak to you regarding your personal injury matter.