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Question
Son drives car; registered owner is the dad; car insured by ex-wifes insurance policy; son lives with ex-wife and is 21 years old; Who is responsible if son is in an accident and hurts somebody?
Hi Fred,
Unless the owner of the car (that is Dad) was negligent in entrusting the car to the driver (i.e. son drunk, reckless, etc.), the owner will not be liable in MOST states. Some states require the owner to insure the car, so even in those states the owner should be off of liability since the car was insured.
The driver of the car is the negligent party, and so he will be held to account. Next question is whether or not the driver and/or the car was insured. The answer is yes, so even in states wherein the owner can be held liable, in this instance he will not be inasmuch as there was insurance on the vehicle.
Hence, the only party that will be liable is the son, and his insurance will pay. If policy limits are exceeded can the victim come against the owner? As answered above, I do not see how.
Best wishes,
Dr. Settlement, J.D. (Juris Doctor)
www.SettlementCentral.Com
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Answers by Expert:
Doctor Settlement
Expertise
27 years of front line plaintiff`s trial lawyer experience in PERSONAL INJURY INSURANCE CLAIMS. Along with other attorneys and insurance adjusters, we have created a website to help injured people settle their own personal injury claims. With the help from feedback from hundreds of satisfied members, www.settlementcentral.com has become THE AUTHORITY for Internet personal injury insurance claim settlements. I am humbled and honored if people can benefit from my experience and current volunteer work in helping injured people. I hope I can explain things in a manner that is useful for the questioner. If not, do not hesitate to e-mail me and I will take a second shot at it! Best Wishes for your physical and financial recovery.
Experience
Life Experience: 27 years of front line plaintiff's trial lawyer experience
Organizations:
American Trial Lawyers Association
Washington State Trial Lawyers Association
Publications: (Click on Title to Read)
Statute of Limitations
Vehicle Accident
Accident--Adjuster
Demand Letters
Policy Limits
Education/Credentials: J.D. (Juris Doctor) 1977
Awards and Honors:
I am humbled and honored everytime I am selected to help injured people. And when people give feedback that they have benefited from my experience and current volunteer efforts, then that is a double honor and award for me.
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