Legal Question in Civil Litigation in Pennsylvania

Co Signer being Sued in accident inpa

Can a co-signer of a vehicle be sued for an accident that was caused by the primary signer? The co-signer is not listed on the insurance and does not even have a license so she does not drive.


Asked on 7/22/08, 10:26 am

2 Answers from Attorneys

John Davidson Law Office of John A. Davidson

Re: Co Signer being Sued in accident in pa

Clearly the other side is going after someone they think can pay the judgment. How they're going to prove the cosigner has any fault in the accident should be interesting.

Personally I don't think they can or specifically I doubt they make a claim that would stand up in court.

If the do name you in the suit I'd get an attorney to get you removed from the case and stick the plaintiff for the attorney's fees.

If you have any questions feel free to contact me. The initial consultation is free.

{John}

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Answered on 7/22/08, 10:47 am
John Gibson John W. Gibson, Esquire

Re: Co Signer being Sued in accident inpa

There are a couple theories under which a co-signer might be liable but they would be very difficult from the injured party's perspective. Negligent entrustment is a theory that comes to mind. That is where a person entrusts a vehicle to someone who is intoxicated or under the influence of drugs. It would be kind of a stretch to attach that to a co-signer. Even if the primary driver had a history of moving violations, I don't think that would be enough.

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Answered on 7/22/08, 12:53 pm


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