Could I be sued if my brother is in a bad accident driving a car that I own, but his name, not mine, is on the car registration.

If you are identified as the owner of the vehicle, you could be sued for negligent entrustment. You should consult with an attorney to discuss the particulars of your matter and for any specific legal advice.

Under the CA Vehicle Code the owner of a vehicle is liable for up to $15,000 damage per person for up to 2 people. If Plaintiff determines you own car, you will be sued.

The response given is not intended to create, nor does it create an ongoing duty to respond to questions. The response does not form an attorney-client relationship, nor is it intended to be anything other than the educated opinion of the author. It should not be relied upon as legal advice. The response given is based upon the limited facts provided by the person asking the question. To the extent additional or different facts exist, the response might possibly change.

Depending on the circumstances you could be liable. Your brother's insurance will cover to the extent of his coverage, but you could be liable if the injured party proves that you negligently entrusted the car to your brother.

The response given is not intended to create, nor does it create an ongoing duty to respond to questions. The response does not form an attorney-client relationship, nor is it intended to be anything other than the educated opinion of the author. It should not be relied upon as legal advice. The response given is based upon the limited facts provided by the person asking the question. To the extent additional or different facts exist, the response might possibly change

You cannot be liable. Based on the financial responsibility law your maximum liability as owner, if you are an owner is 15/30/5. That is also the minimum required for any policy. So your brother's policy will protect you. You state you are on the pink slip but he is on the registration. That should not be possible. Normally the registration controls ownership. So if there is an issue of ownership you could be liable, but not over his policy limits. The only potential for that is mentioned above negligent entrustment. But since he is according to you the registered owner with the dmv you have no possbility of liability.

This is based on the information you gave, although it doesn't seem likely your information is correct.


Peter :)