Virginia Beach, VA asked in Civil Litigation, Car Accidents and Small Claims for Virginia

Q: Am I responsible for damage to a car my 14 year old accidentally caused? Wouldn't the owners insurance cover the damage?

My son was riding a bike on a side street and lost control of the bike and ran into the back of a car scratching it with the handlebars. The owner was in the car at the time and immediately started yelling and cursing at him. She told my son that his parents would pay to get her car fixed. He was very upset with the way she was yelling and cursing at him. I would think her car insurance would pay for the damage. I just want to know what I am legally liable for. I know that we should probably pay for the damage, but we don't really have the finances right now to do that. I just need to know my options since she was so nasty about the situation.

2 Lawyer Answers
F. Paul Maloof
F. Paul Maloof
Answered
  • Alexandria, VA
  • Licensed in Virginia

A: The answer will depends on what your auto policy coverage states. You should contact your auto insurance agent or the insurance company and ask your questions about coverage.

Peter N. Munsing
Peter N. Munsing
Answered
  • Personal Injury Lawyer
  • Wyomissing, PA

A: If she has collision her company can pay for it--but they'll come after you for the money! Your car insurance won't cover it.

If you have homeowners that may, but then you have a deductible. You can't force her to go through her car insurance if she doesn't want to, and as I said they will then come to you for reimbursement.

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