Many automobile accidents in Atlanta often involve minors or college students who are driving their parents\u2019 cars. When an accident like this occurs, there is always the question of whether or not the parents of the child involved can be liable for the damages caused in the accident.<\/p>\n
Under Georgia law, a parent or parents can be held liable for damages in an accident involving their child if the vehicle involved can be classified as a \u201cfamily purpose vehicle.\u201d Under the family purpose doctrine, if an automobile is maintained by the owner for the express purpose of his of her family\u2019s convenience, the owner is then liable for any negligence on the part of his or her family that leads to an accident.<\/p>\n
Once an accident involving a minor occurs, the courts will look at four criteria to determine whether or not the family purpose doctrine applies to the case in question:<\/p>\n