How many times have you lent your car to a friend, neighbor, or family member without thinking twice about the repercussions?
Imagine getting a knock on your front door at 2 AM. It’s the police and they tell you that your car was involved in an accident and the driver left the scene. You tell the officer that you lent the car to a friend and that you have been home all night. The officer tells you that a witness gave your license plate number and your car matches their description. The officer then arrests you and takes you to the police station. You now have to go to court, hire an attorney and deal with the insurance company because you are responsible for the damage your car caused.
This scenario may seem far fetched to many of you who have lent your vehicles to people you know, but with the recent State Appellate Court decision every time you hand over your keys you are opening yourself to not only insurance liability but criminal liability as well.
Find out what's happening in Naugatuckwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
In State v. Tine, the court held that the registered owner of a motor vehicle can be arrested for evasion of responsibility even if he was not the driver. The police investigated a hit and run accident and spoke to the owner of the evading vehicle, who told them it was a work vehicle and denied being the driver. The police had no witnesses and the only evidence was tire tracks leading from the job site to the accident scene. The owner presented witnesses who testified that he was not driving the vehicle on the day of the accident. The state relied on a statute that says the registered owner of a vehicle is the operator of that vehicle whenever there is a hit and run accident.
Under these facts and circumstances the court decided that the owner was the operator of the vehicle. The court did not believe the owner or his witnesses’ testimony and relied on the other evidence to find the owner guilty.
Find out what's happening in Naugatuckwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
The next time someone asks to borrow your car, keep in mind that it could wind up costing you much more than an insurance deductible.
The information in this blog is not intended to create an attorney-client relationship. Nothing in this blog should be considered legal advice about your case. What is offered here is for entertainment purposes only. Please consult with an attorney if you need assistance with your case.
