Based on statistics, there are over 13 million young drivers on the road every day in the United States. What happens if one of those teenagers is at fault for a car accident that leaves you or a loved one injured?

Parental Liability

Almost every state has rules governing parental responsibility in the event that a child’s actions, whether careless or intentional, hurt others and result in death, personal injury, or property damage. A minor’s damages, including those from a vehicle accident, may be held financially liable for their parents and any other legal guardians who have control of them.

You may have legal options to seek compensation from the juvenile driver’s parents if they were at fault for the collision that injured you. Typically, this entails making a claim on the parent’s or guardian’s auto insurance policy.

Due to their frequent inability to pay their own coverage, many teens rely on their parents’ auto insurance plans. However, the majority of insurance firms want a list of all household members with valid licenses on the policyholder’s motor insurance policy.

It’s crucial to remember that automobile insurance typically travels with the vehicle. This implies that even if the adolescent is not mentioned on the policy, the parent’s liability insurance may still be applicable if the parent owns and insures the vehicle.

What if the Teenager Was Operating a Non-Parent Owned Vehicle?

This can be a trickier scenario. Perhaps the teenager was using a vehicle that had been lent to the parents by another person. In many cases, the insurance on the automobile will apply if the adolescent had permission to use it.

However, the vehicle’s liability insurance may not apply if the teen did not have authorization to drive it, such as when the parents expressly forbade him or her from operating the vehicle.

What About Intentionally Bad Behavior?

It is important to remember that intentional or malicious behavior is often excluded from insurance coverage. If the teenager’s conduct was deliberate, the vehicle’s insurance policy may not apply.

In certain circumstances, it may be necessary to pursue compensation through a lawsuit rather than an insurance claim.

As a parent, it is important to begin discussing safe driving habits with your teenager as early as possible.

Statistics show that 12% of distracted drivers involved in fatal car accidents are teenagers between the ages of 15 and 19, and 33% of high school students admit to texting while driving. To help keep your teen driver safe, consider the following actions:

• Talk to them about the risks associated with distracted driving.
• Share statistics about young drivers in the United States to emphasize the importance of safe driving.
• Set a good example by practicing safe driving habits yourself.

Please Allow Us to Assist. Call Now!

Teen drivers are responsible for thousands of collisions that result in a wide range of injuries. If a teenager’s reckless driving caused you or a loved one harm, you may be entitled to compensation through the liability coverage under the parent’s auto insurance policy.

While you focus on recovering from your injuries, Bauhof Legal will guide you through this challenging process and provide a free initial consultation.

If you were injured in a Maryland vehicle accident and need legal representation, you may schedule a free initial consultation with us. Every case is unique, and this website is not intended to provide legal advice. Feel free to contact us at
brad@bauhoflegal.com or call us at +1 (410) 876-4500.