Legal Question in Personal Injury in California

Yes, perhaps for negligent entrustment. Tender the claim/lawsuit to your insurance carrier for defense and indemnity.

The registered owner of a vehicle is automatically liable for up to $15,000. Any sum of money paid by any of the other potential defendants reduces that $15,000 by the amount paid. So, if the driver has insurance coverage [$15,000 is the legal minimum] or you do, then you will not have to worry about having to pay any money yourself. But Mr. Cohen is correct that a smart plaintiff's attorney will likely allege that you knew the other registered owner was a bad driver or drunk at the time, and you negligently allowed him to use [entrustment] the car. You might have different or additional insurance coverage, even the same insurance carrier may offer slightly more to settle with two instead one client, etc.

Mr. Cohen is also correct that you must immediatley inform your insurance carrier of the accident and provide them with all relevant information or documention.

Yes both as the owner of the car which is statutorily limited to $15K and for negligent entrustment which has no statutory limitation.

Be sure to report any claim to your insurance carrier immediately or they might deny you coverage.

Good luck and happy New Year!