My 16 year-old son hit a girl in a crosswalk while she was legally crossing the road. I own the vehicle he was driving and I have full coverage, however, he is not on my policy. Should I retain an attorney?

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Yes, you will need representation for yourself, as the owner of the vehicle, and your son. Your personal liability begins when an award for damages against you reaches the maximum limits of your policy or if coverage is denied. Whether or not this occurs requires strong legal representation to protect your interests. While no lawyer can guarantee you and your son will not become personally liable, an attorney can help ameliorate the likelihood of the scenario occurring. Furthermore, some motorists in Washington maintain underinsured/uninsured motorist coverage. This allows policyholders to request damages exceeding the policy limits of the party at fault from their own carriers. Often times, rather than making the party at fault personally liable, parties will seek damages in excess of your policy coverage from their own insurance carriers.