My unlicensed underage child wrecked a friends car, am i, her father liable for the damages?

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My unlicensed underage child wrecked a friends car, am i, her father liable for the damages?

She had the owners permission to take the vehicle. Th e owner assumed she was licensed. The vehicle involved had only liability coverage and it was the only vehicle involved.

Asked on May 13, 2009 under Accident Law, Pennsylvania

Answers:

MD, Member, California Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney

Answered 14 years ago | Contributor

Does your child have a learner's permit? If so, what do you mean wrecked a friend's car? Her friend or your friend? In other words, if she had a valid learner's permit, was she driving the car alone or with someone who could be her chaperone?

Did she tell the owner of the vehicle she was licensed? Well, not only will your daughter not receive her license now in a timely manner, but.....you are the father and she is underage -- depending on laws in your state concerning your knowledge of her behavior (before the accident, your knowledge of her taking the car, any such previous behaviors), you may be liable but the best bet is to consult with an attorney first. 

Try a personal injury defense counsel at www.attorneypages.com and the Pennsylvania State Bar.


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