Most car accidents involve an at-fault driver. However, some accidents are caused by parties who are not even present at the scene of the accident. These third parties can be held liable if their negligence or wrongdoing caused or contributed to the accident.
If you have been injured in an accident caused by a third party, you need the assistance of an experienced car accident lawyer in Chicago to help protect your rights and ensure you recover full compensation for your damages.
At Meyers & Flowers Trial Attorneys, we have decades of experience helping car accident injury victims, including those injured by third parties, recover the maximum compensation they deserve. Let us help you. Call (630) 576-0528 or complete the short form on our contact page and schedule a free consultation to discuss your claim.
Third Parties Who May Be Liable in a Car Accident
Liability depends on the cause of your accident and who is responsible for that cause. Not every car accident is caused by driver error. Many are caused entirely by a third party, while in others, a third party’s actions contribute to the accident.
Any third party can be held liable if they are responsible for your accident. Some potentially liable third parties include:
- Employers. If a driver is on the job and causes a car accident, their employer may be held liable for the resulting damages. This is true whether the employee is driving a company-owned vehicle or their private vehicle. If they are on the job when the accident happens, the employer may be on the hook for your damages.
- Parents of minor children. When parents allow their children to drive, they may be held responsible for any damages their child may cause in an accident.
- The owner of the vehicle involved in an accident. When you allow another person to operate your vehicle, you may be liable for damages sustained in a car accident caused by that person.
- A car manufacturer. If a car defect causes the accident, the manufacturer of the vehicle or the equipment that fails may be responsible for damages.
- A negligent maintenance or repair business. If a negligent repair job or maintenance causes an accident, the repair or maintenance company may be held responsible.
- A government entity. If a dangerous road condition, such as a defective design or negligent maintenance, causes an accident, the government entity responsible for the road may be held liable.
- A passenger. In rare cases, an unruly passenger may be the cause of an accident and may be held responsible.
Proving the fault of a third party requires careful investigation to uncover the evidence needed to build your best case. An experienced Chicago personal injury lawyer from Meyers & Flowers can help you recover maximum compensation in a third-party liability claim. Contact us today.
How Do You Prove Negligence in a Third-Party Claim?
Negligence in a third-party liability claim still requires establishing the existence of four elements:
- The defendant owed you a duty of care.
- The defendant breached that duty of care.
- The defendant’s breach of duty caused your accident.
- You suffered actual damage due to the defendant’s breach of duty.
Third-party claims can be more complex. However, an experienced lawyer can establish negligence when it exists and help you get the justice you deserve.
Contact Meyers & Flowers For a Free Consultation
If you have been injured in an accident caused by a third party, you need the assistance of an experienced car accident lawyer. At Meyers & Flowers, our attorneys can help establish the liability of all at-fault parties and hold them responsible for paying your damages.
Call (630) 576-0528 or visit our contact page and schedule a free consultation.