If my seventeen year old son ran a stoplight and hit a pedestrian, can they sue me as his parent for medical expenses,

Question

even if he took the car on a joyride without my permission?

Eric Todd Kirk · Answer

In Maryland the owner of a car is presumptively responsible for the acts of the driver. That presumption is usually easily dispelled. Another theory that could be available here is one of negligent entrustment. The claim here would be that you entrusted the car to your child knowing that he was a negligent or reckless person. That doesn't seem to be the case based on your statement of facts. I would suggest that both you and your child separately consult with seasoned personal injury attorneys, as it is unlikely there would be insurance coverage for this loss.

Paul D'Amore · Answer

I am sorry to hear this happened. The short answer is yes, you can be sued. Whether your car insurance company covers the claim will come down to the policy language and how it's applied to the facts regarding your son's obtaining the keys to the car, his past history, if any, of unlawful or reckless behavior, and the circumstance of his use of the car in this specific instance.

Peter N. Munsing · Answer

Not unless your son had 8 priors or you got him drunk and told him to go out and drive. Understand the other person /their attorney wants insurance. Let your insurance handle it. Your son should not discuss this with anyone, should not give statements, should not mention it on facebook or any social media.

Q: If my seventeen year old son ran a stoplight and hit a pedestrian, can they sue me as his parent for medical expenses,