What to do if my daughter was driving her college professors van for a school trip and had an accident?
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What to do if my daughter was driving her college professors van for a school trip and had an accident?
The professor was in the van. She had driven first and handed the driving to my daughter. They were driving through a snow storm when my daughter lost control and slid in the ditch. No one was injured. The professor finally had estimates done on her van. I have not seen them. She is asking us to pay for her deductible and 1/2 pf the towing costs. About $563. Are we responsible for damages? Our insurance company wil not pay.
Asked on May 1, 2015 under Accident Law, Iowa
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 8 years ago | Contributor
If your daughter is an adult, she is liable IF she was in any way negligent or careless in causing the accident--for example, driving too fast for conditions, not allowing enough time to break given the snow, etc. If she is a minor, you as her parent(s) would be liable. If liable, she/you would be liable for all costs or damage. Of course, even if you and she feel is not liable, if the professor feels she is and sues, you/she would have to defend yourself in court, which has its own costs and which is not certain (you could lose); it may be best to pay voluntarily.
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