If my wife is an alcoholic but continues to drive, can I be held liable for any damages she may cause as a result of an accident caused by her drunk driving?
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If my wife is an alcoholic but continues to drive, can I be held liable for any damages she may cause as a result of an accident caused by her drunk driving?
We have fought about this to no avail. Her car is registered in her name only but we have the same insurance. Our home and other assets are held jointly.
Asked on January 7, 2014 under Accident Law, Washington
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 10 years ago | Contributor
Generally, you can be liable to the extent of your joint and marital property--for example, you home and any other jointly held assets. In some situations, you could even be held personally liable if you contributed to her drunkeness and accident: such as providing a known alcoholic with wine or other alchohal.
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