Sometimes car accidents happen in bizarre ways. Even when the facts are unclear or the situation seems unusual, you are still eligible to receive compensation for your injuries and damages. A car accident can be incredibly confusing for the victim in other ways, too. Knowing whether insurance companies are treating you fairly, figuring out how long you have to file a personal injury lawsuit, and calculating the amount of damages you are eligible to receive can make the situation seem impossible. Fortunately, you can contact Maurer Law to learn about how a Raleigh car accident lawyer can help you secure the financial recovery that you deserve.
A recent news story highlights one of the more peculiar accidents that have happened in North Carolina. In Glendale, a six-year-old boy drove his parents’ truck into a neighbor’s home. The truck struck the side of the house where a bedroom was located and flung one of the residents from her bed, causing her to hit the closet door. The woman has suffered a number of injuries as a result of the impact.
According to authorities investigating the situation, the boy took his father’s car keys from a counter while the father was getting ready for work. He was able to drive the vehicle all the way to the end of the street before causing the crash. As a result of the accident, the home has suffered serious damage and a nearby gas line was broken, creating an imminent threat of an explosion or fire.
The accident raises serious questions about parental responsibility for the tortious acts that their children commit. The parents in this situation likely never imagined that their child would steal the truck keys and drive the vehicle down the road. North Carolina has established rules that apply to situations where a minor commits a personal injury to determine if and when the parents can be held liable. In general, parents will not be held liable simply by virtue of there being a parent-child relationship. Courts have held that a parent can be held liable where the plaintiff can show that the parent had the ability and opportunity to control the child and that the parent knew or should have known that this control was necessary.
The resident who was injured as a result of this personal injury accident can explore bringing a claim against the parents to recover damages for her medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses. The resident may also file a claim with her insurance carrier to receive policy benefits for the damage to her home. The resident can also explore making a claim with any insurers that provide auto insurance policies to the parents of the six-year-old boy.
Figuring out your rights and legal options after a car accident can be incredibly confusing. While you are focusing on healing after the shock and trauma of the situation, your Raleigh car accident lawyer will represent your best interests and help you secure the outcome that you deserve. To learn more about whether you can pursue compensation, contact Maurer Law today by calling 1-888-258-1087.