Who’s Liable When a Third Party Causes a Car Accident?

Most people assume that when a car accident happens, the other driver is the one to blame. But what happens when the real cause of your crash has nothing to do with the person behind the wheel? In many cases, liability extends far beyond the drivers involved. An employer, a government agency, or even a product manufacturer could bear responsibility for the collision that injured you.

Contact our car accident lawyer in Salt Lake City if you’ve been involved in a collision for a free consultation.

When Can You Step Outside Utah’s No-Fault System?

Utah operates under a no-fault car insurance system, which means your own insurance policy typically covers your medical expenses and lost wages after an accident, regardless of who caused it. However, the law does allow you to step outside that system and pursue a claim against a liable party if your case meets specific thresholds.

You must have either incurred at least $3,000 in medical expenses from the accident or suffered a qualifying serious injury, such as:

• Permanent disability
• Permanent impairment
• Permanent disfigurement
• Dismemberment

If your situation meets one or both of these thresholds, you can hold the responsible party accountable through a third-party insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit.

Common Scenarios Where a Third Party Causes a Crash

When someone other than a driver is responsible for the conditions that led to your accident, you have the right to hold that party accountable. Here are some of the most common third parties that could bear liability for your crash:

• Employers of Negligent Drivers: If a driver causes an accident while performing job duties, their employer may be held liable under the legal doctrine of respondeat superior. This principle holds companies responsible for the actions their employees take within the scope of employment.

• Government Entities Responsible for Road Maintenance: Poorly maintained roads, missing signage, malfunctioning traffic signals, and dangerous design flaws can all contribute to serious accidents. When a government agency fails to address a known hazard or neglects its duty to keep roadways safe, it may share liability for the resulting crash.

• Product Manufacturers and Auto Repair Shops: Sometimes a vehicle defect—such as faulty brakes, a defective airbag, or a tire blowout—is the true cause of a collision. In these cases, the manufacturer of the defective part or the repair shop that last serviced your vehicle could be held responsible.

What Evidence Do You Need to Prove Third-Party Liability?

To prove a third party’s liability, you need clear evidence connecting the responsible party’s negligence or wrongdoing to your accident. This may include:

• Police reports and official accident documentation
• Maintenance or inspection records for roads, vehicles, or parts
• Employment records linking a driver to their employer’s business operations
• Product recall notices or defect reports from the manufacturer
• Witness statements and expert testimony
• Photos and video from the scene, including dashcam or surveillance footage

How a Lawyer Can Help You Identify All Liable Parties

When a third party is responsible for your accident, the path to compensation isn’t always straightforward. Liable parties may be difficult to identify, and corporations and government entities often have legal teams working to minimize their exposure.

A Salt Lake City personal injury lawyer can investigate the full scope of your crash, uncover every party that played a role, and build a case that holds each one accountable. If you’ve been injured in an accident caused by someone other than another driver, reach out to an attorney who can protect your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve.