What is my liability if my designated driver had an accident but their license was suspended?
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What is my liability if my designated driver had an accident but their license was suspended?
I let someone drive me to the store (in my truck) because I had been drinking. She didn’t yield to a left turn and a motor cycle hit us and is in the hospital. My driver had a suspended license, and received a ticket for that. They took down my ID information and let us go. Am I going to be liable for any of this? (hospital bill, law suit, etc)?
Asked on July 10, 2011 under Accident Law, Washington
Answers:
S.L,. Member, California Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 12 years ago | Contributor
As the registered owner of the vehicle, you will be liable for the property damage claim and personal injury claim of the motorcyclist. It is advisable to refer the matter to your insurance company and the insurance company will handle it.
The property damage claim is usually resolved early in the case. As for the personal injury claim, if the case is not settled with the motorcyclist when he/she completes medical treatment, the motorcyclist could file a lawsuit against you for negligence since you were the registered owner of the vehicle that caused the accident. If that occurs, your insurance company will provide you with an attorney at no cost and again the insurance company will handle the matter for you.
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