Re: Parents Liability

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On 6/06/05, dhunter wrote:
> On 6/06/05, M'sta Mikey wrote:
>> On 6/05/05, dhunter wrote:
>>> My 16 year old son went out with his 16 yearold girlfriend
>>> and his 18 year old cousin after work. They were given
>>> clear instructions that the 18 year old cousin was to
>>> drive. The 18 year old cousin told my son to take her car
>>> and go out for a while with his girl friend because she
>>> wanted to be alone with her boy friend. My son had taken
>>> some pain killers earlier that night. He got in a serious
>>> accident and his girl friend was injured. He has not been
>>> cited yet for dui. Her medical bills will far exceed the
>>> insurance coverage on both the cousin's car insurance and
>>> our insurance which our son is covered on as a driver.
>>> What is our liability as parents? Does the fact we had no
>>> knowledge he drove the car and the cousin disobeyed the
>>> instructions we gave her in looking out for our minor son
>>> effect our parental liability?
>>
>> Who's car was it, yours? If yes, then you may be liable for
>> any damages not covered.
>
>
> No the car was not mine and my son did not have my permission
> to drive it.

Honestly, your son could find himself facing charges as a result
of his actions. Whether or not he had your permission to operate
the vehicle is irrelevant; he drove. He is a minor and depending
on your state and the exact circumstances (e.g. charges filed),
you could possibly be held financially liable for his actions.

imho: Get legal counsel immediately! That is the only way you are
going to get a solid answer as there are a lot of variables here
and the charges against your son have yet to be outlined.