Legal Question in Personal Injury in California
My son hit a car with his bike and broke the side mirror. The owner says his insurance wont cover the damages. He got two quotes for the car one is 750.00 and the other is 1400.00. He now states that there is damage to his hub cap and side panel. What i'm legally responsible for paying?
2 Answers from Attorneys
Assuming your son is still a minor living at home, you would be liable for up to $15,000 as his parent. Find out from your son the details of how he hit the vehicle and then go with his bike and try to re-inact the accident t see what damage he could cause. Are there any marks from the bike on the car? A repacement side mirror should cost between $50-150 [a year ago I broke one off a parked car while driving]. Check out his estimates and demand that you be allowed to get your own.
Question your son as to what his bike hit and make sure all the damage was caused by the bike striking the car. Ask to see the car to see the damage and see if there is paint transer. Also ask to see the estimates for the damage and make sure they are reliable. Ask for more estimates if you think they are too high.