Teen drivers are disproportionately involved in car accidents, and they are more likely to be at fault than older drivers. This is due to a number of factors, including lack of experience, risky driving behaviors, and cognitive development. If a teen driver causes a car accident, they have the liability fall on them for the resulting injuries and damages. This means that they may be ordered to pay for the medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and other losses of the injured person.
In some cases, the teen driver’s parents may also be held liable for the accident. This is known as parental liability. Parental liability laws vary from state to state, but they typically hold parents responsible for the negligent acts of their minor children.
Liability with teen drivers in cases
To determine liability in a personal injury case involving a teen driver, the court will consider the following factors:
- Did the teen driver act negligently? Negligence is the failure to act with reasonable care. In the context of car accidents, negligence is determined by considering whether a driver acted in a way that a reasonable person would not have acted in the same circumstances.
- Did the teen driver’s negligence cause the accident? The teen driver must not only have acted negligently, but their negligence must also have been the cause of the accident.
- Did the injured person suffer damages? The injured person must have suffered damages, such as medical bills, lost wages, or pain and suffering, as a result of the accident.
If the court finds that the teen driver was liable for the accident, the teen driver will be ordered to pay damages to the injured person. The amount of damages awarded will depend on the severity of the injured person’s injuries and losses.
Parental Liability
In some cases, the teen driver’s parents may also be held liable for the accident. This is known as parental liability. Parental liability laws vary from state to state. They typically hold parents responsible for the negligent acts of their minor children.
To determine whether parents are liable for their teen driver’s actions in an accident, the court will consider the following factors:
- Did the parents know or should have known that their teen driver was engaging in dangerous driving behaviors?
- Did the parents take steps to prevent their teen driver from engaging in dangerous driving behaviors?
- Did the parents provide their teen driver with adequate driver’s training?
If the court finds that the parents were negligent and their negligence contributed to the accident, the parents may be held liable for the injured person’s damages.
What to do after an accident
If you are involved in a car accident with a teen driver, you should take the following steps:
- Seek medical attention immediately, even if you do not think you are injured.
- Exchange contact information with the teen driver and any other witnesses to the accident.
- Take photos and videos of the scene of the accident, if possible.
- File a police report.
- Contact your insurance company to file a claim.
The basics of liability serve as a guide for teens and their parents, ensuring that the driving experience is not only liberating but also a commitment to safety and accountability. If you have been injured in a car accident caused by a teen driver, you should consult with a lawyer. A lawyer can help you understand your legal rights and options. Gosdis Law wants to protect you and your teen driver. To schedule a consultation call (385) 429-9960 or email s@gosdis.lawyer today.
