Legal Question in Personal Injury in Texas

I bought a car from my grandma: the title was signed over, and a short bill of sale written also, but paperwork never finished at DPS. I did put the car on my insurance immediately, just didn't have money for the title transfer so I was waiting. I got into a tiny wreck in a parking lot - can she be held liable for the supposed $500 damage to the other car? I asked the other driver to give me an estimate and please not go thru insurance, but she immediately called my insurance then called me and told me the price.


Asked on 10/15/11, 11:14 am

2 Answers from Attorneys

Donald McLeaish McLeaish&Associates;, P.C.

Don't hide the fact from your insurer...the insurance you bought will probably pay if u paid the premium. Why would they question whether the title was transferred unless you made some misrepresentation? If they deny payment, the nsurance your grandmother has would pay and they may require the lady to get the car repaired at a place of their choice...good luck

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Answered on 10/15/11, 5:57 pm
Keith Engelke Law Office of S. Keith Engelke

Liability goes with the driver, not the car. If you caused the damage to the other car, you are responsible. Texas policies also cover borrowed or rented vehicles. Hence if you rent a car and get into an accident, and have auto liability insurance in Texas, your Texas policy covers you for the damage you caused. If your grandmother still owns the car, she might be held responsible under a theory of negligent entrustment. Her carrier might then go after your carrier as you were driving.

My guess is that your carrier will pay the damages, especially if you paid the premium.

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Answered on 10/16/11, 8:33 am


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