Car Accident Legal Liability

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Summary

In Michigan, car owners can be held liable for damages caused by their uninsured and unregistered vehicles. You may qualify for a court-appointed attorney based on your income, especially if it is less than $1,000 a month. Jail time is not usually the penalty for this type of incident, but your spouse could also face consequences. Apply for a court-appointed attorney as soon as possible.

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My spouse took my car which had no insurance nor was it registered. She ended up hitting a parked car. I wasn't even in town. Now I have a summons to court. What can I expect? Is it going to fall on me as I am the owner because I am the one summoned? Will I be able to get a court appointed attorney at that time? I live on disability of lest than $*,* a month .. can't afford an attorney. Or do they just do the judgement on that day? Will I be held in jail for this? What about my spouse?
Hello ****, could you please tell me which state you're located in? Laws regarding liability for uninsured and unregistered vehicles involved in accidents vary by state, so knowing your location will help me provide the most accurate information.
Manistee Michigan *
Hello ****. In Michigan, as the car owner, you could be held liable for damages. However, every case is unique. Here are some points:
- You might be eligible for a court-appointed attorney based on your income.
- Jail time is not usually the penalty for this.
- Your spouse could also face consequences.
I'd recommend seeking legal advice.
So I am probably able to get an court appointed attorney with our income only being less that $*,* a month then. Hope hasn't worked for several months now.
Yes, ****, it's highly probable. In Michigan, the court uses a sliding scale based on your income and number of dependents to determine if you qualify for a court-appointed attorney. You should apply as soon as possible.