WOULD I BE RESPONSIBLE AND OR GET SUED FOR DAMAGES IF A CAR IS IN MY NAME BUT MY GRANDSON DRIVES AND HAS INSURANCE FOR THE CAR IN HIS NAME. COULD SOMEONE GO AFTER BOTH OF US?
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GAGA9716
ANSWERS: 5
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It depends upon the state that you are in, but I have relatives to whom this has happened. My aunt was successfully sued for quite a large sum of money for owning the car that was involved in an accident.
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Re: GO AFTER BOTH OF US? That is why it is wise to have both names on the insurance policy. My mother(89) and I have me listed on a joint policy that lists me as a 10% driver and her as a 90% driver on one of her cars. On the other car of hers I am listed as a 90% driver and her as a 10% driver. This is the Auto Club of Southern California. I do not know of anybody else that says the primary and secondary drivers. Saves us money.
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In California (and I believe most other states), yes. The owner of a vehicle can be held liable for damages caused when the vehicle is involved in an accident. The injured party has the option of suing either one or both of you.
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Please turn off your caps lock :) It depends on the laws in your jurisdiction, but yes since you own the vehicle there is the possibility you could be sued along with your grandson.
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The joy of the American judicial system that you can be sued for anything. Yes they can sue you. It is legally your car. You gave him permission to drive by the fact that he insured your car. You are easily culpable as it was your property that damaged someone else's property. You have less culpability than your grandson, but you have some. In general, a lawyer will initially sue everyone in the mix and then drop suits against parties as the information develops.
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