Our 16-year-old daughter recently began driving. Since she is a minor, would we be found liable for any damage or injury she might cause while operating a car?
Parents will generally not be held liable for damages to person or property caused by their children’s operation of a motor vehicle. There are exceptions to this general rule, however. Ohio’s financial responsibility laws provide that the parent signing the child’s application for an operator’s license can be liable for damage or injury caused by the child’s operation of the family motor vehicle if that parent fails to provide the insurance required by state law. Also, if the parent “negligently entrusts” the family motor vehicle to a child who is not fit to operate it (say, for instance, the child has had a problem with drinking and driving), the parent may be held liable for “negligently entrusting” the vehicle to the child. Owners will generally be responsible for damages or injuries caused by anyone to whom they negligently entrust their vehicle. A parent might also be held liable for damage or injury caused by a minor child who is acting as the parent’s agent (for example, by doin
