Q: My adult child was driving a friend’s car when he was involved in a car collision. He lives at home with me. Can they sue me?
A: Generally, no. In California, the owner of a car can normally be held liable up to the statutory maximum for damages caused by the car. The driver can be held liable up to the amount of damage caused. You, as a third party, would not be liable unless they could prove some sort of negligence on your behalf. In other words, if you kept giving him alcoholic drinks and knew he was going to drive, then you could be potentially responsible. But, the general rule is that you cannot be liable just because he lives at home with you.