Is a Parent Liable for a Child's Accident When Driving the Car Without Permission?
Full Question:
My son was involved in an accident with my truck last year and the insurance company is coming after him and me for the amount they paid their client ($9,000). My son agrees he was responsible for paying this debt and is willing to sign a legal form taking responsibility for this. Is this legal and will this lift the 'suspension of registration' from me? I did not grant permission for his use of my vehicle at the time and did not find out until afterward what happened. What legal recourse do I have in this matter? I am not working and cannot nor do I want to take on this debt because it is not mine.
03/24/2010 |
Category: Automobiles ยป Insurance |
State: Wisconsin |
#21525
Answer:
Negligent entrustment. If a parent lends the family car to a minor child knowing the child is incompetent, reckless, or inexperienced, the parent may be liable for damage caused by the child's driving. The family purpose doctrine. Some states adopt the "family purpose" doctrine. In those states, when someone purchases and maintains a car for general family use, the owner of that vehicle (generally, dad or mom) is liable for negligent driving by any family member using the car.Signing a minor's driver's license application. Some states have laws that make the person who signs a minor's driver's license application legally responsible for the minor's negligent driving. So, if a parent signs the application, the parent will be liable for the child's negligent driving.Typically, registration of a truck is suspended due to not complying with a traffic law, such as paying a fine or fee, or having required insurance, and paying a claim to an insurer won’t reinstate registration, only paying the fine/fee imposed by the state or obtaining insurance will.