If my 22 year old stepdaughter lives with us and she was at-fault for a car accident, can we be held liable in any way?

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If my 22 year old stepdaughter lives with us and she was at-fault for a car accident, can we be held liable in any way?

To my surprise has no insurance and was driving on a suspended license.

Asked on August 5, 2014 under Accident Law, Washington

Answers:

SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney

Answered 9 years ago | Contributor

Was she driving your car? Then yes, if you allowed her to drive, you could be liable--the owner of a car, who permits an at-fault driver to drive, can be liable for injuries and damage she causes. However, if she was driving her own car, then you are not liable for the accident simply because she lived with you, any more than a landlord is liable for the accidents of his/her tenants.


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