Hi. Twelve months ago, my daughter who was 18 and on P plates, let her 16 year old friend who was unlicensed, drive her car. The car, was registered in my daughter's name, but purchased by me for $3000. The driver crashed the car into a tree. Thankfully all passengers had only minor injuries. The driver consequently had her ability to apply for a licence suspended and was fined.
My daughter also received fines. Because our car insurance did not cover unlicensed drivers, we were unable to claim for the vehicle. It was declared a write off and has been sent to the wreckers. I made an arrangement with the driver to pay less than half of the damages, as I understand my daughter needed to be responsible for her actions and pay the remaining balance. I opened a bank account and requested the amount of $1200 to be deposited by the 12 month anniversary of the crash (about $25 per week) to avoid subjecting the young girl to legal proceedings.
Despite assurances throughout the year that she would pay the balance, only $50 has been deposited and is now three weeks overdue. The unlicensed driver refuses to discuss the matter with me and has requested that we deal through our solicitors. I can't find specific details as to who is liable for the costs incurred by this car accident and want to make sure that my daughter and I are correct in pursuing the cost. Total loss, including value of the car, cost of recovering the vehicle from the accident site and disposal of the vehicle is approximately $3500.
Has anyone had experience with this type of case before and how should I proceed?
Many thanks
My daughter also received fines. Because our car insurance did not cover unlicensed drivers, we were unable to claim for the vehicle. It was declared a write off and has been sent to the wreckers. I made an arrangement with the driver to pay less than half of the damages, as I understand my daughter needed to be responsible for her actions and pay the remaining balance. I opened a bank account and requested the amount of $1200 to be deposited by the 12 month anniversary of the crash (about $25 per week) to avoid subjecting the young girl to legal proceedings.
Despite assurances throughout the year that she would pay the balance, only $50 has been deposited and is now three weeks overdue. The unlicensed driver refuses to discuss the matter with me and has requested that we deal through our solicitors. I can't find specific details as to who is liable for the costs incurred by this car accident and want to make sure that my daughter and I are correct in pursuing the cost. Total loss, including value of the car, cost of recovering the vehicle from the accident site and disposal of the vehicle is approximately $3500.
Has anyone had experience with this type of case before and how should I proceed?
Many thanks