As my mother’s power of attorney, if she were to drive and cause an accident could I be legally/monetarily responsible for any lawsuits brought against her?
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As my mother’s power of attorney, if she were to drive and cause an accident could I be legally/monetarily responsible for any lawsuits brought against her?
She has recently had to take an evaluation test to assess her driving abilities due to cognitive issues from a stroke and a recent fall that she is recovering from. She failed the assessment but until the doctor reports to DMV that she is to have her license revoked she had someone take her to DMV and got temporary license.
Asked on January 28, 2016 under Accident Law, Florida
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 8 years ago | Contributor
No, the attorney in fact (person with the power/authority granted by the POA) is not liabe for any torts, including car accidents or other such personal injury or property damage, caused by their principal (your mother; the person granting the power) because of the POA. You could be liable if you let your mother drive a car you own, however, because a vehicle's owner is liable for injuries/damage caused by those he/she lets drive his/her vehicles.
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