Legal Definitions - family-purpose rule

The family-purpose rule is a legal principle that holds the owner of a vehicle responsible for any injuries or damages caused by a family member's negligent driving. This means that if a family member causes an accident while driving the owner's car, the owner can be held liable for any resulting harm.

For example, if a father allows his teenage son to use the family car and the son causes an accident due to reckless driving, the father may be held responsible for any injuries or damages caused by the accident.

It's important to note that many states have abolished this rule, so it may not apply in all situations.