Are Parents Liable for Accidents by Drivers Under 18?

cartwrightlaw - August 23, 2023 -

The reality is that inexperienced teenage drivers are more likely to make mistakes that cause a car accident than seasoned drivers. Consequently, parents who sign their teen’s driver’s license application forms, provide insurance coverage for their teens, or both are taking on significant legal responsibility.

In the case of a car accident caused by a teen driver, parents can be held liable for damages incurred.

Our seasoned car accident attorneys at The Cartwright Law Firm in San Francisco can help people involved in an accident caused by a teenage driver understand what insurance coverages apply and how to navigate your cases successfully. Additionally, it is essential to know your legal rights, both as a driver and as a parent of a teen driver, to help preserve your family’s financial stability and emotional well-being.

If you were injured in an auto accident caused by a teenage driver, contact us today to schedule an initial case consultation with our experienced personal injury attorneys.

Parental Liability in California

In California, parents hold responsibility for their children’s driving behavior and may be held liable if their teenager causes an accident, especially if the accident causes personal injury to another party.

When parents sign a consent form to allow their child under the age of 18 to drive, they assume legal responsibility for any accidents that may occur. Therefore, parents can be named as defendants in an auto accident case in which their child was the liable driver. This is known as parental liability.

Surrender of a Driver’s License

Parents can withdraw their consent at any time and release themselves from this liability. They can do so by filing a Request for Cancellation or Surrender of a Driver’s License. This effectively revokes their permission for their teen driver to operate a motor vehicle, and their child’s driving privileges are immediately suspended.

While it may seem like a drastic measure, parents who are concerned about their child’s driving behavior can take this step to protect themselves from liability.

Car Insurance Coverage

While car insurance coverage can vary depending on the policy, most car insurance policies will extend to cover children on the policy driving the family car. As long as the parents have added their child to their policy and there are adequate policy limits in place, the insurance company can cover damages resulting from an accident.

However, it’s important to note that if the teen driver’s actions involve criminal activity, they are not eligible for insurance coverage. This exclusion applies regardless of age since all car insurance policies will exclude any claim resulting from the criminal act of an insured, such as driving under the influence.

If you were hit by a teenage driver, our car accident lawyers will investigate all possible avenues of liability insurance coverage. Our goal is to find ample coverage that can provide compensation for your property damage and personal injury claim.

Tips For Parents of Teen Drivers

As parents, we know that the thought of sending our teenagers out onto the road is a daunting one. Teens may be eager and enthusiastic about driving, but their lack of experience and knowledge can make it difficult to navigate the roads safely.

It is important to teach your teenagers how to become responsible and safe teen drivers for themselves and others on the road. Here are some tips to help you encourage your teenage drivers to drive responsibly:

• Lead by example. Be a positive role model by following all traffic laws, avoiding distracted driving, and always wearing your seatbelt.
• Set rules and enforce consequences. Establish clear rules and boundaries for your teen driver, such as setting a curfew or limiting passengers in the car.
• Provide plenty of practice. Spend ample time with your teen in varying road conditions, and consider signing them up for driving lessons.
• Emphasize the importance of defensive driving. Ensure your teen understands that they should always anticipate the actions of other drivers to help keep them safe.
• Make sure their vehicle is in a safe condition. Teach them about regular maintenance and to be mindful of any issues or problems with the vehicle.
• Obtain proper auto insurance coverage. Ensure that they are added to your policy and review the car insurance information with them.

You can help your teenager become a responsible and safe driver. Remember, the more you teach your teenager about responsible driving habits, the better equipped they will be to navigate the roads safely and avoid accidents.

Hit By a Teen Driver?

Teenagers are relatively inexperienced drivers and are more likely to make mistakes behind the wheel, which can result in serious accidents. If you’ve been involved in a car accident with a teenage driver, it’s important to know what steps to take to protect your legal rights.

As with any auto accident, be sure to contact emergency services for medical attention and to obtain a crash report from the police. Teen drivers are likely driving cars they do not own, and you will need to obtain the information of the driver and the vehicle owner to file an insurance claim. An official crash report will have this information, as well as the insurance policy information.

Subsequently, contact an experienced auto accident attorney to help you initiate a claim and seek compensation for damages.

Contact Our San Francisco Car Accident Lawyers

At The Cartwright Law Firm, our reliable injury attorneys can help you file a claim for the damages you accrued from the accident, such as medical expenses and lost wages. We understand there may be unique challenges in cases involving teen drivers, and we can help you hold the responsible party accountable for their actions.

Whether your teenager was injured in an auto accident or you were hit by a teen driver, our committed San Francisco car accident attorneys can help you navigate the legal process.

Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and learn more about how we can help you fight for the compensation you deserve.

The reality is that inexperienced teenage drivers are more likely to make mistakes that cause a car accident than seasoned drivers. Consequently, parents who sign their teen’s driver’s license application forms, provide insurance coverage for their teens, or both are taking on significant legal responsibility.

In the case of a car accident caused by a teen driver, parents can be held liable for damages incurred.

Our seasoned car accident attorneys at The Cartwright Law Firm in San Francisco can help people involved in an accident caused by a teenage driver understand what insurance coverages apply and how to navigate your cases successfully. Additionally, it is essential to know your legal rights, both as a driver and as a parent of a teen driver, to help preserve your family’s financial stability and emotional well-being.

If you were injured in an auto accident caused by a teenage driver, contact us today to schedule an initial case consultation with our experienced personal injury attorneys.

Parental Liability in California

In California, parents hold responsibility for their children’s driving behavior and may be held liable if their teenager causes an accident, especially if the accident causes personal injury to another party.

When parents sign a consent form to allow their child under the age of 18 to drive, they assume legal responsibility for any accidents that may occur. Therefore, parents can be named as defendants in an auto accident case in which their child was the liable driver. This is known as parental liability.

Surrender of a Driver’s License

Parents can withdraw their consent at any time and release themselves from this liability. They can do so by filing a Request for Cancellation or Surrender of a Driver’s License. This effectively revokes their permission for their teen driver to operate a motor vehicle, and their child’s driving privileges are immediately suspended.

While it may seem like a drastic measure, parents who are concerned about their child’s driving behavior can take this step to protect themselves from liability.

Car Insurance Coverage

While car insurance coverage can vary depending on the policy, most car insurance policies will extend to cover children on the policy driving the family car. As long as the parents have added their child to their policy and there are adequate policy limits in place, the insurance company can cover damages resulting from an accident.

However, it’s important to note that if the teen driver’s actions involve criminal activity, they are not eligible for insurance coverage. This exclusion applies regardless of age since all car insurance policies will exclude any claim resulting from the criminal act of an insured, such as driving under the influence.

If you were hit by a teenage driver, our car accident lawyers will investigate all possible avenues of liability insurance coverage. Our goal is to find ample coverage that can provide compensation for your property damage and personal injury claim.

Tips For Parents of Teen Drivers

As parents, we know that the thought of sending our teenagers out onto the road is a daunting one. Teens may be eager and enthusiastic about driving, but their lack of experience and knowledge can make it difficult to navigate the roads safely.

It is important to teach your teenagers how to become responsible and safe teen drivers for themselves and others on the road. Here are some tips to help you encourage your teenage drivers to drive responsibly:

• Lead by example. Be a positive role model by following all traffic laws, avoiding distracted driving, and always wearing your seatbelt.
• Set rules and enforce consequences. Establish clear rules and boundaries for your teen driver, such as setting a curfew or limiting passengers in the car.
• Provide plenty of practice. Spend ample time with your teen in varying road conditions, and consider signing them up for driving lessons.
• Emphasize the importance of defensive driving. Ensure your teen understands that they should always anticipate the actions of other drivers to help keep them safe.
• Make sure their vehicle is in a safe condition. Teach them about regular maintenance and to be mindful of any issues or problems with the vehicle.
• Obtain proper auto insurance coverage. Ensure that they are added to your policy and review the car insurance information with them.

You can help your teenager become a responsible and safe driver. Remember, the more you teach your teenager about responsible driving habits, the better equipped they will be to navigate the roads safely and avoid accidents.

Hit By a Teen Driver?

Teenagers are relatively inexperienced drivers and are more likely to make mistakes behind the wheel, which can result in serious accidents. If you’ve been involved in a car accident with a teenage driver, it’s important to know what steps to take to protect your legal rights.

As with any auto accident, be sure to contact emergency services for medical attention and to obtain a crash report from the police. Teen drivers are likely driving cars they do not own, and you will need to obtain the information of the driver and the vehicle owner to file an insurance claim. An official crash report will have this information, as well as the insurance policy information.

Subsequently, contact an experienced auto accident attorney to help you initiate a claim and seek compensation for damages.

Contact Our San Francisco Car Accident Lawyers

At The Cartwright Law Firm, our reliable injury attorneys can help you file a claim for the damages you accrued from the accident, such as medical expenses and lost wages. We understand there may be unique challenges in cases involving teen drivers, and we can help you hold the responsible party accountable for their actions.

Whether your teenager was injured in an auto accident or you were hit by a teen driver, our committed San Francisco car accident attorneys can help you navigate the legal process.

Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and learn more about how we can help you fight for the compensation you deserve.

Our successful case results are a reflection of the values and virtues we believe in and uphold at Cartwright Law Firm. Nothing stops us from pursuing justice on behalf of those who need it.

Robert E. Cartwright Jr.
Founder and Managing Partner