Hey everyone, I’m trying to figure out the liability for a car accident involving my dad, my brother, and my brother’s friend. My dad let my brother drive his car, but then my brother let his friend drive it, and the friend ended up getting in an accident. Now insurance is asking for statements, but we’re not sure if my dad or brother could be in any legal trouble since the friend only has a driving permit. Any advice on who might be held liable here?
That sounds complicated! So technically your dad didn’t give the friend permission to drive, just your brother, right?
Ari said:
That sounds complicated! So technically your dad didn’t give the friend permission to drive, just your brother, right?
Yeah, exactly. My dad only let my brother drive, but then he let his friend drive without permission.
Ari said:
That sounds complicated! So technically your dad didn’t give the friend permission to drive, just your brother, right?
In that case, your dad might be in the clear since he didn’t authorize the friend. Insurance should only look at who actually had permission.
From what I know, insurance might not cover damage if the friend didn’t have permission. They could go after the friend for costs.
Quincy said:
From what I know, insurance might not cover damage if the friend didn’t have permission. They could go after the friend for costs.
Yeah, I think insurance has a clause for unauthorized drivers. But since it’s your dad’s car, he might need to get a lawyer to explain things.
Quincy said:
From what I know, insurance might not cover damage if the friend didn’t have permission. They could go after the friend for costs.
Good idea, we might have to do that if they push back on covering it. Thanks!
It’s tricky with minors involved. Insurance might be more strict since they weren’t supposed to drive alone if it’s just a permit.
Fox said:
It’s tricky with minors involved. Insurance might be more strict since they weren’t supposed to drive alone if it’s just a permit.
Oh true, does having a permit change things with liability?
Fox said:
It’s tricky with minors involved. Insurance might be more strict since they weren’t supposed to drive alone if it’s just a permit.
It can, yeah. Permits usually require an adult to be in the car. Could affect how insurance handles it.
Your best bet might be talking to a local auto accident attorney. They could tell you how to explain the situation to insurance so it’s clear your dad didn’t give permission.
Flint said:
Your best bet might be talking to a local auto accident attorney. They could tell you how to explain the situation to insurance so it’s clear your dad didn’t give permission.
We’ve tried calling a few attorneys but haven’t had much luck finding one who can help. Any tips?
Flint said:
Your best bet might be talking to a local auto accident attorney. They could tell you how to explain the situation to insurance so it’s clear your dad didn’t give permission.
Try contacting your local bar association for referrals. They usually have resources for cases like this.
Will insurance cover the other driver’s damages even if the friend wasn’t authorized? Or will they go after the friend for that too?
Thorne said:
Will insurance cover the other driver’s damages even if the friend wasn’t authorized? Or will they go after the friend for that too?
They might cover the other driver’s damages to avoid further claims, but they’ll probably go after the friend to pay it back.
Thorne said:
Will insurance cover the other driver’s damages even if the friend wasn’t authorized? Or will they go after the friend for that too?
That’s what we’re hoping, just didn’t know if they’d totally refuse to cover anything.