Legal Question in Personal Injury in California

Re: Are Parents Responsible for Teen's Accidents?

Not unless you negligently allow her to drive prior to the accident, for example if she has been drinking and you give her the car. That being said, think about the poor family of anyone she might seriously injure who will be left being unable to receive even close to adequate compensation for his or her injury. We carry insurance to protect our assets, yes, but we should also carry insurance to protect anyone who becomes the victim of our own neglect.

Re: Are Parents Responsible for Teen's Accidents?

Maybe!

You would have to somehow be negligent, i.e. done something wrong that is tied to the cause of the accident. Your daughter would obviously have to have been negligent in causing the loss to the unknown person(s) who would be suing.

First, be thankful you have a 16 year old daughter, and not a son. A boy's rate would be substantially higher.

However, since you have substantial assets, I would advise you not to be "penny wise and pound foolish". There are a number of different ways you could be held liable, e.g. letting her have a glass of wine at dinner, if she takes the keys to your vehicle when you are asleep and injuries somebody in a joy ride, etc.

Juries are not sympathetic to wealthy parents when there is a major injury caused by a teenager to an innocent person.

Since you can afford it, spend the money and get a high limit policy.

However, unless you are indebted to your insurance agent, shop for lower rates. They can vary widely from company to company with identical coverage.

Good luck!