When sunlight is reflected in a mirror how much of the heat energy is reflected ?
Actually the Officer should have charged her for driving without a competent/sober adult in the front seat. He took pity on her. There is no law that says she must pay . Most mature adults would. Claim it on your insurance. You could sue her but being as she was doing you a favor, I doubt you would win.
I think that you are probably responsible if just a junior licence you are responsible for that driver. I think that if you were intoxicated you might face DUI charges if the damage is real expensive I would go talk to a lawyer!
Physically disciplining isn't going to do a damn thing, except maybe make things worse. Don't bother threatening him with throwing him out. That's not going to work either; he obviously understands that he's a minor and you have to keep him around. A few suggestions: - A good scare never hurt anyone. There's nothing like a visit from Officer Friendly to set a kid straight, especially if they're arrogant enough to think that the law is on their side. - While you're at it, call the cops on your son's so called friend. Providing alcohol to minors is illegal. - Ground the living hell out of him. It shouldn't be a one time deal. If you want him to actually feel the weight of his decisions, make a firm stand when you ground him. He can go home and he can go to school. Don't let him out, don't let him have any of this things, and don't let him near a computer for a couple of weeks. Better than that, don't put a time limit on it. It shouldn't matter how long those privileges are taken away. They're taken away until his behavior improves to your satisfaction. - Make him provide for himself for a change. If he wants something, he has to earn it. Obviously he can't get a job because he's so young, but that doesn't stop you from making a few trades. If he wants a new technological goodie, he can earn it by doing chores. No work, not fun. - Don't bother reasoning with him. The second you give in, he's going to take advantage of you. Be firm. If you say he's grounded for two months, he's grounded for two months and not a day less. Period. Bottom line, this kid needs discipline, just not in the way that you're dishing it out.
Generally, the original responsibility lies with you. You must pay for the damages and deal with the consequences, then sue the driver in civil court. I do have to tell you that normally you'd win if she admitted to driving. But you'll probably share some financial responsibility here because you shouldn't have ever let her drive. Depending on how that part of the story worked out, you may or may not be awarded all of your damages. There are a couple of other things you need to consider. The first is if the amount is small enough to recoup in small claims. Some states have a limit of $3K, some $10K. If you sue and are successful, you only win up to whatever amount and can no longer sue for the rest. You may need an attorney and a higher court. It's also necessary for you to find out how the age of majority works in your state. You may be better off waiting until the drive turns 18, you may be able to do it now without the debt being retired in a year, you might have to sue her parents now (and would be more likely to see the cash), or you might only be able to sue her before she turns 18. Hell, in your state the age of majority may be 19. Fortunately this question is easily answered by an attorney in your state if the amount is more than small claims will bear.
If you handed over the keys, then she's not liable, since she was driving the car with your permission. Your insurance should cover it.
