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TiredLady Asked October 2017

If my 84-year-old mother has a wreck and injures someone, will I be liable?

I have been trying to get her to stop driving for months because she is on high doses of pain meds. Her doctor signed her up for a driving evaluation class but she would not finish the class. I think she knew she wouldn't pass. She has had 3 wrecks in the past two years. Thankfully no one was hurt. I hold by breath every time she goes somewhere. Taking the keys is not an option. She would call a locksmith. Any advice will be greatly appreciated.

JoAnn29 Oct 2017
The doctor may be able to notify DMV. They will take her license way. Then u will need to hide or disable the car.

Hugemom Oct 2017
I am not a lawyer but I can’t see how you could be liable. However, the real issue here is getting her off the road before wreck #4 is a fatal, either to her to someone else. It’s not fair to put the responsibility on the police to charge her with driving while impaired. And it’s also not enough to worry if you’ll be liable if she causes another accident. I’m sorry, but you and she are playing Russian Roulette here.

A locksmith is not going to unlock a car for someone who doesn’t have a key. That’s unethical and the locksmith COULD be held liable. If that’s what you’re worried about, take the car. You’re dealing with people’s lives and safety here. You need to tell Mom enough is enough and take the car. There will be an epic meltdown, but it needs to be done.

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