Can an 18 year olds parents be sued for damages regarding a car accident that the child caused?
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Can an 18 year olds parents be sued for damages regarding a car accident that the child caused?
My daughter was at a friends house sleeping over. While she was asleep an 18 year old boy stole the keys to her car and took it and totaled it. He does not work and lives with his parents. Can I sue them for the replacement price of her car?
Asked on January 2, 2012 under Accident Law, Michigan
Answers:
FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 12 years ago | Contributor
There is always the possibility that the parants of the 18 year old adult son who took your daughter's car and damaged it could be sued for what happened. The issue is what is the likelihood of success against the parents?
The son does live at the home and was not given permission to use the vehicle. Obviously the best claim would be against the son for liability and damages. Hopefully your daughter had adequate insurance for the vehicle. Possibly the son might have insurance to cover the damages he caused.
FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 12 years ago | Contributor
There is always the possibility that the parants of the 18 year old adult son who took your daughter's car and damaged it could be sued for what happened. The issue is what is the likelihood of success against the parents?
The son does live at the home and was not given permission to use the vehicle. Obviously the best claim would be against the son for liability and damages. Hopefully your daughter had adequate insurance for the vehicle. Possibly the son might have insurance to cover the damages he caused.
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