Can I be sued if my wife’s 15 year old son wrecks the truck that she bought for him?

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Can I be sued if my wife’s 15 year old son wrecks the truck that she bought for him?

I married a woman 3 years ago who has a 15 year old son. Neither has taken my last name. I have never adopted him. We maintain separate bank accounts, as well as all financial matters. Recently she bought him a truck and is letting him drive it without a driver’s license. If he wrecks it and somebody sues her for damages am I liable for any judgement? Can they take my house that is solely in my name and I owned before I married her? All bills and taxes are in my name only.

Asked on November 23, 2011 under Accident Law, Texas

Answers:

FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney

Answered 12 years ago | Contributor

There is always the possibility that you can be sued if your wife's fifteen (15) year old son is in an auto accident causing injury and damages to another person even though the minor is not your own child.

I see significant concerns about this minor driving the vehicle when he does not have a driver's license. The key is in whose name is the truck that the minor is driving and is there insurance on it. Possibly any insurance policy for the vehicle could be voided out due to the fact that the minor is not an insured person under the vehicle and has no driver's license.

The assets of the marriage could be responsible for one half of any damages caused by the unlicensed minor. Your personal assets would not be subject to any judgment if the truck is not in your name and the fact that the minor is not your son.


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