Vehicle owners can be deemed responsible for other drivers
In states like Massachusetts, someone who owns a vehicle might not have to directly cause an accident to face penalties for the outcome. One rule known as the Family Car Doctrine, for instance, holds parents legally liable for any damage caused by minors who drive their vehicles. This rule can be applied regardless of whether the at-fault driver was insured by the family. In other cases, car owners may face penalties for accidents that occur after they permit individuals who are known to be dangerous drivers to operate their vehicles.