Few people would doubt that young adults are not always wise decision-makers, but sometimes the actions of a minor cross the boundary from unwise to careless or even malicious. When this happens, the consequences for the minor’s peers can be disastrous. When vehicles are involved, this is especially true, since bad driving can have dangerous and even fatal consequences. Road racing, speeding, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or reckless joyriding have all resulted in fatalities in Illinois.
If you lost your child in a car accident because one of your child’s friends was driving dangerously, you may be wondering whether you can take legal action against the responsible young adult or his or her parents. To learn more about this area of Illinois law, read on and then contact an Illinois wrongful death attorney who can help you determine whether to move forward.
What is the Illinois Parental Responsibility Law?
Young adults up to 19 years of age who still live with their parents may be covered by the Illinois Parental Responsibility Law, depending on their actions and the consequences thereof. True accidents - in which the minor was responsible but not because of malicious or intentional actions - are not covered by this law. Instead, it covers minors who act in “willful or malicious” ways and cause damage to another person’s body or property. This can be a cloudy area of law because proving intent can be difficult, especially if the responsible minor is dead or seriously injured themselves.
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