It is common for owners of motor vehicles to allow friends, business associates, or relatives to borrow the owner’s car from time to time.
What is not commonly known is that under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 90 section 12, the owner has a legal responsibility to determine whether or not the person borrowing the motor vehicle is properly licensed BEFORE giving permission to borrow the car. If the owner of the motor vehicle fails to determine whether the person is properly licensed, and the person borrowing the car is unlicensed, the owner then becomes liable for “negligent entrustment.” Accordingly, if the unlicensed driver causes an accident, the owner of the borrowed motor vehicle is then jointly responsible with the unlicensed driver.
The Law Offices of Bruce G. Goldman is experienced at representing innocent victims who have been injured in a motor vehicle accident, and identifying the person responsible.