Subject: Liability Inquiry Regarding Stepson’s Car Accident (NY)
Hello,
I have a question about potential liability in the event of a car accident involving my 19-year-old stepson.
Here’s the current situation:
- My stepson is 19 years old and divides his time equally between his mother’s home and ours.
- His vehicle is solely owned, titled, and insured by his biological father.
- He is not included on our car insurance policy.
If he were to be involved in a serious car accident, could I be held liable for any damages or harm he may cause?
I appreciate any insights or advice you can offer. Thank you!
In New York, liability in a car accident typically falls on the driver of the vehicle and the owner of the vehicle. Since your stepson is 19 and his vehicle is owned, titled, and insured by his biological father, that father would generally be held liable if his son were involved in an accident while driving that vehicle.
As a stepparent in this situation, you could potentially be held liable in very specific circumstances, such as if you had been negligent in some way or if you had given the vehicle to him to drive despite knowing he was unfit or unlicensed to do so. However, just being a stepparent does not inherently create liability for accidents caused by the stepson, especially since he is an adult living independently part of the time.
It’s also worth noting that insurance coverage carries certain protections, so if there is insurance in place on the vehicle, that policy would generally cover damages or injuries resulting from the accident.
To fully understand your potential liability, it would be a good idea to consult with a personal injury attorney or a lawyer specializing in auto liability in New York. They can give you specific advice tailored to your situation and help clarify any concerns you might have.