Third-Party Liability in Car Accident Cases

Third-party liability in car accident cases relates to instances in which an individual injured in an auto collision seeks compensatory damages from someone other than the drivers directly involved.

Car accident lawyers can determine who’s liable for your auto crash. For example, our Orange County car accident attorneys can interview witnesses and do other things to find out if a third party is liable.

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What Is Third-Party Liability in Car Accident Cases?

Third-party liability in car accident cases refers to the legal responsibility that someone other than the drivers involved in an auto crash has for the losses of those involved in the incident.

Outside of a motorist, third parties that can be liable for a car accident include:

• Mechanic
• Automaker
• Car parts manufacturer
• Employer
• Government entity

If a third party is responsible for your car accident, you could get money for your auto repair costs, medical bills, pain and suffering, or other losses from them through a claim or lawsuit. 

How to Prove Third-Party Liability in Car Accident Cases

Prove third-party liability in a car accident case by partnering with a personal injury lawyer who will investigate your auto collision, identify any at-fault parties, and seek compensation for you. 

A car accident attorney can look at traffic camera footage of your auto crash, interview witnesses, read police reports, and take other measures to determine third-party liability. 

If a third party is responsible for your car accident, your lawyer can request compensation from their insurance company. This may lead to an insurance settlement offer that covers your losses.

Or, if a third party’s insurance company doesn’t offer a reasonable settlement, you can file a lawsuit. If your case reaches trial, your lawyer can argue to a judge or jury why you deserve damages.

Accident scene photos and other evidence can make a difference if you want to prove third-party liability in your car accident case. Your proof could prompt this party to offer a fair settlement. 

Types of Car Accident Cases That Involve Third-Party Liability

Not all car accident cases involve third-party liability. Auto accidents in which third-party liability can be a factor include:

• Multi-vehicle accidents in which it can be difficult to identify the liable parties and several could share responsibility
• Accidents involving rideshares, as Uber or Lyft could be liable for an accident involving one of its drivers
• Commercial vehicle accidents, as a delivery truck company or another third party could be at fault
• Accidents caused by vehicle defects since a vehicle parts manufacturer could be liable
• Accidents that occur due to poor road maintenance, as a government entity could be responsible

Your car accident attorney can learn about your auto crash, who was involved, and who’s responsible. Next, they can submit your claim or lawsuit and pursue compensation for you. 

How Third-Party Liability Can Impact Compensation in a Car Accident Case

A third party could have to cover your car accident losses if they are liable for your auto collision. You could receive money from this party through an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit. 

Your auto accident lawyer can submit your claim or lawsuit in alignment with the statute of limitations. In California, the deadline to sue someone after an auto crash is generally two years. 

In your car crash case, a third party’s insurance company could offer a settlement. Alternatively, in a trial, a judge or jury may award damages for your auto collision losses.

To discuss your case, contact our firm and set up a free consultation.