Q: State of Louisiana- driver of car was unauthorized to use car- caused accident- is car owner reaponsible
A: Yes both the unauthorized motorist and owner are liable. Hire a personal injury attorney.
A:
A lot depends on the "unauthorized" story. Did the owner tell the cops that? Did the owner press charges? Or did the owner leave the keys on the table and the driver--a kin of hers--grabbed the keys and left? You then get into some weird insurance issues on covering damage which then adds licence suspensions to the mix--though an argument can be made that the lack of coverage wasn't caused by anyone but by the policy.
Sorry, but it's the difference between a No and a maybe, and the ground is pretty muddy and many slips possible.
A: The owner would only be legally responsible if he or she did something negligent in the unauthorized driver gaining access to the vehicle. Your insurance company, however, may face some liability and should provide you with a defense if you are sued. I would suggest that you consult with an attorney, preferably with experience in defending personal injury matters.
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