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Being hit by another driver is always distressing. But when that driver was a teen, the situation can become more complicated as well. Teen drivers may not have a lot of assets or good insurance. So, can you hold anyone else responsible too? Here are four times when the answer could be yes.
1. When the Teen Is Underage
If the driver was under age 18, the parent or guardian may be liable for the accident. Laws about parental responsibility vary by state, but the parent can be liable if they committed any negligence. For instance, they may be negligent if they knew the teen was a bad driver, but they let them drive anyway.
2. When It's the Parent's Car
Who is the registered owner of the vehicle driven by the teen? Financial responsibility generally follows both drivers and vehicles. If the registered owner — usually a parent or other family member — gave permission to drive, they could be liable for what happens even if they weren't there.
3. When Someone Directed Them
The law of vicarious liability deals with a person who is being directed to do something by someone in authority. This commonly occurs in employer/employee and parent/child relationships. A teen doing errands for their employer or who is otherwise 'on the clock' may be the responsibility of that employer. Likewise, if a parent gave them the keys and told them to go do an errand, the parent could be liable for misdeeds.
4. When There is a Defect
Investigate both vehicles thoroughly. It's less common that a defect caused or contributed to the accident — but it's not impossible. Defects may be known, such as items that have been or should be recalled, or unknown. And the defect could occur on the other person's car or your own. Even if the problem just exacerbated or contributed to the accident, there could be compensation from the manufacturer.
Where to Start
If you or your loved one was hit by a teen driver, finding any and all parties who could be held responsible is vital. You deserve the best compensation for injuries and property damage, and this may not come from the teen themselves.
Find out who could be liable in your situation by meeting with an experienced personal injury lawyer in your state today. They'll work with you to build the strongest case against whomever you may need to pursue.
Reach out to a local personal injury law firm to learn more.
Share29 August 2023
