Legal Question in Civil Litigation in Washington

juviniledriving

My son who is 15 and not licensed or even with a permit to drive asked afriend of his who is 17 to let him drive his car. Somehow control was lost of the vehicle and some damagewas done. I agree that my son should pay half but they feel he should pay for all of the damage. The 17 year old gave him the keys, and was not in the vehicle with him. The parents whom I had left my child in care of were not there. There other son who is also 15 was also partof this. the parents say that the 17 year old just succumbed to peer pressure. who is responsible for this?


Asked on 1/02/07, 12:55 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Elizabeth Powell ELizabeth Powell PS Inc

Re: juviniledriving

Parents of a minor child who causes damage to property can be held liable for up to $5,000.00 in damages based upon the conduct of the child.

Isn't that a wonderful thought?

I think that you and the parents of the other child reached a compromise that solves the problem, that each should pay for half of the damage, as the fault can be apportioned between the minors, who each made bad decisions, and the parents, none of whom were actually supervising the boys.

Bottom line is that your boy caused the damage to the vehicle, so a compromise regarding who will pay for it sounds as though it's in your best interest.

Hope this helps. Powell

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Answered on 1/02/07, 1:27 pm


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