Posted on 08/04/25
A third party can be held responsible when their actions lead to a car accident, even if they were not behind the wheel. Third-party liability applies when someone outside the vehicle causes or contributes to the car accident. Whether it was a contractor, passenger, pedestrian, or someone else, there are ways to hold them accountable for the harm they caused through a Buffalo accident claim.
When a Commercial Driver or Delivery Vehicle Causes a Crash
Companies are often responsible when their employees cause a car accident while on the job. These cases can involve several insurance providers, depending on who owns the vehicle and who was driving it. That can make the process more complicated, but also open the door to different ways of recovering what you lost.
Delivery Trucks in a Rush to Meet Quotas
Drivers rushing to stay on schedule often speed, miss stop signs, or get distracted behind the wheel. These accidents tend to happen in neighborhoods, school zones, or busy shopping areas where someone least expects it.
Work Vehicles With Poor Maintenance or Driver Records
Some companies put unsafe vehicles on the road without fixing known problems. That could mean broken headlights, overdue inspections, or drivers with multiple violations on their record.
Rideshare or App-Based Delivery Drivers
Accidents involving rideshare drivers or food delivery services often raise third-party questions. Liability may depend on whether the driver was using their app, what kind of insurance applied, and who owned the vehicle at the time of the crash.
When Property Owners Contribute to a Crash
Not every car accident happens because of something a driver did. Poor signage, blocked exits, tight turns, and other hazards can cause serious problems, especially on private or commercial property. In a Buffalo personal injury claim, both the driver and the property owner may be held responsible, especially if the layout or conditions created an unreasonable risk under New York Vehicle and Traffic Law § 1180.
Here are a few examples of property issues that can lead to or worsen a crash:
- Parking lots with broken or missing lights that make it hard to see at night
- Security gates that do not open properly or close without warning
- Overgrown bushes or trees blocking a driver’s view when leaving a driveway
- Slippery oil spots left untreated in private driveways or loading zones
- Construction areas with confusing lane shifts or missing signs
- Parking garages without mirrors at corners or tight blind spots
- Exit lanes that do not clearly show who has the right-of-way
- Uneven or crumbling curbs that catch tires and affect steering
When a Mechanic or Auto Shop Makes a Mistake
Some crashes happen because a driver did something wrong, but others start with a mistake under the hood. Faulty repairs, skipped maintenance, or overlooked safety issues can lead to third-party liability when a shop makes a serious error. Problems like brake failure or disconnected safety systems are sometimes only discovered after a traumatic brain injury or other major harm has already happened.
Brake or Steering Failures After a Recent Repair
When shops work on brakes, steering, or suspension systems, even a small error can lead to disaster. Drivers rely on those systems to stay in control, and one loose bolt or missed step can change everything in seconds.
Shop Negligence With Recalls or Warning Lights
Some shops ignore warning signs or skip over known issues because they are in a rush or looking to cut corners. That includes ignoring manufacturer recalls or failing to investigate dashboard lights that suggest something is wrong.
Tire Shops That Install the Wrong Size or Skip Torquing
If a tire shop installs the wrong size or forgets to torque the lug nuts, it can cause a blowout or wheel separation while driving. That kind of mistake can lead to rollovers, high-speed crashes, and serious injuries.