Parents may hold liability for a teenager’s car accident in New York in some cases. For example, parents have a degree of liability if a teenage child causes an accident while driving in a parent’s car.
Parents may also face responsibility for accidents if they acted carelessly or consented to negligent behavior that caused a collision.
A Long Island car accident lawyer can review your situation if a teenager causes your crash. An attorney can assess exactly what happened and explain who needs to cover your losses.
Are Parents Liable for Children’s Car Accidents?
Parents are sometimes liable for a child’s car accident. The legal codes in New York mean that a parent may hold liability for a crash caused by a teenager if:
The Teenager Drove the Parent’s Car
Typically, insurance liability follows the vehicle in New York. Therefore, if a teenager drives their parent’s car and causes a crash, the parent may hold final liability for the collision. Generally, the insurance company will need to cover the losses caused by the accident.
The Parent Carelessly Allowed the Teenager to Drive
Sometimes, parents may decide to allow a teenage child to drive when they know it would represent a dangerous decision. For example, if a parent knows their child consumed alcohol or drugs and still allows the child to drive, the parent could hold responsibility for a resulting crash.
The Parent Failed to Supervise the Teenager
Parents may have a duty to supervise their children if they engage in behavior that could put others in danger. If a parent fails to provide this supervision and it results in a crash, they may be held liable.
The Parent Consented to the Teenager’s Actions
In some cases, a parent may consent to the dangerous actions a teenager takes before an accident. Parents may agree to these actions due to impairment or other factors. Regardless of the reasons for the consent, parents are liable for a teenager’s car accident in this situation.
When Are Teenagers Responsible for an Accident?
Teenage drivers are responsible for accidents that occur when they operate a vehicle they carry insurance on and act without any the approval or foreknowledge of a parent.
Many teenagers live away from home and have their own insurance. They operate outside of their parent’s responsibility and hold liability for any accidents they cause.
So, are parents liable for a teenager’s car accident? Parents only hold responsibility in specific situations and may no longer have legal responsibility for crashes after a certain point.
How do You Get Compensation After an Accident with a Teenager?
You have several options to secure compensation after a crash caused by a teenage driver. In some cases, a Long Island personal injury lawyer will focus on negotiating a settlement with the insurance company that represents the liable party.
Depending on your circumstances, an attorney may negotiate with the teenager’s insurance company. In other cases, attorneys focus on the parent’s insurance provider.
In some situations, the insurance company will refuse to treat you fairly after a crash. Your attorney may help with a personal injury lawsuit directly against the liable party in this circumstance.
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What Compensation do You Get After a Crash with a Teenager?
You may secure compensation for any losses you sustain after a crash caused by a teenage driver. Depending on your circumstances, you may qualify for funds to pay for your:
- Current and long-term medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Diminished earning potential
- Physical pain, mental suffering, and emotional distress
- Property repairs
Your attorney can review your situation and calculate a fair value for your claim. You do not have to try to handle the legal process alone if a teenage driver hits and injures you.
How Much Money do You Get After a Teenager’s Car Accident?
The amount of compensation you receive after a crash caused by a teenager will depend on the extent of your losses and other factors. Generally, you receive more compensation if you experience catastrophic injuries.
An attorney can provide more exact information about your situation.
How Long do You Have to File a Claim Against a Teenage Driver?
Generally, New York gives you three years to file a claim for compensation after an accident. Individuals who wait too long to begin the legal process will lose their chance to secure compensation.
Therefore, it’s essential that you reach out to a lawyer for help immediately. Your legal team can assess your specific deadlines and keep your claim moving.
Talk to Us After a Crash Involving a Teenage Driver
Are parents liable for a teenager’s car accident? In some cases, yes, a parent holds liability for a crash caused by a teenage child. However, in other situations, the teenager is responsible for the collision.
Our team at Levine And Wiss can review the specifics of your situation to find the party responsible for your crash so we can push them to pay for all of your losses.
You can learn more about us, and then call or fill out our online contact form to get the legal help you need.
