Legal Question in Civil Litigation in Wisconsin
WI Insurance Laws
Lets say I let Bob drive my car who does not have a valid drivers license and is not listed on my insurance policy and they get into an accident in which it was not their fault. The damage is mostly done to the car of the other driver, that one who was at fault. Let's say there was about 8,000 dollars damage. A court settlement is issued for Bob to pay the 8,000 dollars. Here is the kicker though, Bob dies before the debt is paid back. Can I be sued for this money?
Thanks in advance for your advice.
2 Answers from Attorneys
WI Auto Liability of Vehicle Owner and Insurance Law
I do not understand your fact situation, but your question seems to be more about liability law than insurance law. Auto Insurance usually covers any driver who has your permission to drive for accidental damages unless he lives in the owner’s household and is not listed on the policy. The owner of a car can be sued for any damages which occur with the car any time that the owner lets someone else drives it. You should therefore never let others drive your vehicle unless there is insurance coverage and the driver is someone whom you know to be a safe person. If you lend someone a vehicle to commit a crime, you can also be held liable, both civilly and criminally, for the crime. The same applies to accidents. Once a judgment is entered, the underlying claim is no longer the issue—the judgment remains valid until reopened, even if the defendant would have won the case if they had fought it.
WI Auto Liability of Vehicle Owner and Insurance Law
I do not understand your fact situation, but your question it seems to be more about liability law than insurance law. Auto Insurance usually covers any driver who has your permission to drive unless he lives in your household and is not listed on the policy. The owner of a car can be sued for any damages which occur with the car any time the owner lets someone else drive. You should therefore never let others drive your vehicle unless there is insurance coverage and the driver is someone who you know to be a safe person. If you lend someone a vehicle to commit a crime, you can also be held liable, both civilly and criminally, for the crime. The same applies to accidents. Once a judgment is entered, the underlying claim is no longer the issue—the judgment remains valid until reopened, even if the defendant would have won the case if they had fought it.