Who is legally responsible if a minor gets into a car accident?

If a minor (42 days away from being 18) chooses to drive a vehicle (registered in the minor's name) without car insurance and without the consent of the parent/guardian - who is legally responsible if the minor is involved in an accident?
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Answered By: Andrew T. Velonis, P.C.
It is the minor who is legally responsible because its his car. He does not need the consent of anyone else to drive his own car.

Answer Applies to: New York
Replied: 11/15/2011

Disclaimer: The response above does not form an attorney-client relationship. This answer may or may not apply to you and should not be relied upon as legal advice. LawQA does not make any representation as to the expertise or qualifications of this attorney. This attorney may or may not be admitted to state bar of your state.

Answered By: Law Office of Jared Altman
The minor and the owner of the car if he drove with the owner's permission. Note that the owner and the registrant can be two different people.

Answer Applies to: New York
Replied: 11/14/2011

Disclaimer: The response above does not form an attorney-client relationship. This answer may or may not apply to you and should not be relied upon as legal advice. LawQA does not make any representation as to the expertise or qualifications of this attorney. This attorney may or may not be admitted to state bar of your state.

Answered By: The Law Office of Stephen R. Chesley, LLC
Just because a minor was involved in a motor vehicle accident does not necessarily make him wrong or responsible for the accident. Generally speaking we need to look at how the accident occurred before we can determine if he is responsible. Usually a minor cannot get a car registered in his name in New York and he can not get insurance on his own.

Answer Applies to: New York
Replied: 11/14/2011

Disclaimer: The response above does not form an attorney-client relationship. This answer may or may not apply to you and should not be relied upon as legal advice. LawQA does not make any representation as to the expertise or qualifications of this attorney. This attorney may or may not be admitted to state bar of your state.

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