Legal Question in Personal Injury in California

Re: Auto accident by insured 18 yr. old

The parents may not be held liable on that theory, but perhaps on negligent entrustment of the vehicle. Further investigation of the actual ownership of the car would be required.

Re: Auto accident by insured 18 yr. old

Unfortunately the parents cannot be held liable simply because their child lives at home. If he has had prior accidents/tickets/etc., there could be an issue of negligent entrustment and then liability. Furhter research into the facts is required. Regards, Paul Trump, Esq.

Re: Auto accident by insured 18 yr. old

I read the other attorney responses. If the driver was 18 and he was the registered owner, unless it can be shown that the parents have an ownership interest in the car, you are out of luck. Obviously the next question is; Does your son have Uninsured Motorist Coverage on his policy? If so, you can collect on that. Give me a call at 818-427-6246 and we can talk about it.

You might also want to check your insurance to see if you have med pay. Often times you can collect on that as well. Make sure your son files a SR-19 with the DMV to get the other driver declared uninsured. He may lose his license to drive!

Re: Auto accident by insured 18 yr. old

If the person is 18 years old he is an adult. There would be no liability of the parents for the acts of a minor because he is no longer a minor. Regarding the ownership of the vehicle, if the parents have an ownership interest in the vehicle, then, their insurance, if any, or themselves alone would have liability limited to $15,000. Also, if the parents allowed the vehicle to be used and they "negligently entrusted" the vehicle to their son, that would be potential liability over the statutory limit. Good luck and thanks for inquiring.