Auto Insurance Claims: Brother in Law Hit Another Car, owner liability

Question
Hello thank you for your help. My question is my brother in law rear ended a lady with my car and now a law siut is against me and him. What do you suggest me to do it was not my faul he was the one?

Thank you,

Steve

Answer
Steve,

  I need to know what state this occurred in before I can give you a solid answer.  Normally, the owner isn't technically liable unless that owner knew or should have know that the permissive driver (brother in law) was reckless or had a bad driving history or no license.  On the other hand, in some states, the owner is held strictly liable.  Most of the time, owner liability (when the driver is different) is determined by a jury.  

I hope this helps.

JP