Legal Question in Civil Litigation in California
Legal Resposibility
My Daughter, who is 21 was driving her
boyfriends
truck while intoxicated and crashed into
a house causing damage to the house.
She has no job or assets. Her boyfriend
has no car insurance, My question is
can I be held legally liable for the
damage to the house she damaged?
1 Answer from Attorneys
Re: Legal Resposibility
Highly unlikely. Since she is a legal adult and was not driving your car, there is really no viable legal theory against you. Parents are not vicariously liable for their children�s wrongdoing. Instead parental liability typically stems from negligent entrustment (i.e. allowing a minor child to drive given a history of bad driving or inexperience) or negligent supervision. Given the age of your daughter, unless there is some highly usual special relationship which would create a continuing obligation to monitor and control her activity, you should not be held responsible.
If you daughter is included on your auto liability insurance, your insurance may be responsible for the some of damages.
If you would like further assistance in regards to this matter, please feel free to contact our office for a consultation.
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