Car accidents may seem straightforward when it comes to determining who is at fault and should pay for your injuries and damages – most people assume another driver is liable. However, most people don’t know that there may be other parties liable for your New York car accident injuries, which may owe you compensation. Here are some other non-driver parties that may have owed you a duty of care.
Government Entities, Contractors, and Subcontractors
The government has a legal duty in its jurisdiction to design, build, and maintain safe roads. If they fail to inspect and repair roads, they may be liable for injuries from hazardous road conditions. Additionally, both government contractors and the government may be liable for substandard repair work by subcontractors. Construction companies performing negligent maintenance, construction, or repair and using substandard construction materials may be liable for negligence.
Vehicle Manufacturers
Car manufacturers have a legal duty to produce, market, and design safe products; defective vehicles can result in liability for the manufacturer. Product defects don’t require victims to prove negligence to recover – these are evaluated under a less stringent strict liability standard.
Maintenance Shops and Repair Shops
These shops have a legal duty to exercise reasonable care when inspecting cars and performing work. Substandard or negligent work, which was a factor in your car accident and injuries may result in liability.
Companies Whose Employees were the At-Fault Driver While on the Job
Employees driving an employer’s vehicle on the job will likely incur liability for their employer if they are at-fault in an accident and cause damage. Under the idea of vicarious liability, the employee is acting as the employer’s agent, so their actions are usually imputed to their employer.
Contact a Long Island Car Accident Attorney
The skilled Long Island car accident attorneys at the Falkowitz Law Firm, PLLC, how to handle complex car accidents where conditions make it difficult to determine who is at fault. We have the resources and experience to investigate your car accident thoroughly and fight for you to receive maximum compensation. If you or a loved one were hurt in a car accident, contact us 24/7 at (844)-385-4279 or by completing our online Contact Page to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation. Let us make the strongest case possible for your recovery.
Gary P. Falkowitz is the Managing Partner and Founding Attorney of the Falkowitz Law Firm PLLC‚ one of the premiere personal injury law firms in New York. Gary received his J.D., in 2005 from St. John’s University School of Law and served as an Assistant District Attorney with the Kings County District Attorney’s Office.
