Parental Liability for Teenage Drivers
When a child turns 16, one of the most important aspects of this birthday is attempting to get a driver's license. While this is exciting for the teenager, parents need to remember that they have been given enormous additional responsibility for their child behind the wheel.
Signing Driver's License
Parents sign their children's driver's license application and immediately take responsibility for the child's driving, good or bad. In California, the amount of liability of teen car accidents is capped, but parents must still accept the duty of remaining liable until their child's 18th birthday. Parents can revoke their responsibility by either refusing to sign the child's application or reporting their withdraw of support to the state.
Owning Car
A second responsibility held by parents is being the owner of the vehicle, and the actions of your teen driver directly affect you as the owner. If you know that your child is incapable or unfit to operate the vehicle, you will be held liable in case of an accident. Whether through incompetence, inattention from texting while driving, or intoxication, a teen car accident resulting in injuries may require the parents to pay actual and, possibly, punitive damages to injured parties.
Knowing Your Teen Driver's Issues
If there has been a history of irresponsibility or trouble with your child, it is your duty as parent to decide whether or not your child should be allowed to drive. As previously discussed, a teen car accident resulting in damages or injuries may require you as the liable parent to pay actual and/or punitive damages to other drivers and passenger involved.
Contact Our California Personal Injury Lawyers
If you are the parent of a teen driver and need legal advice for your teen's car accident, contact Attorneys John and Tuesday Airola at the Airola Law Offices. Our husband and wife team understands the complexities of teen driving laws and want to help you through this difficult situation. Our California personal injury lawyers, are dedicated to helping victims of negligent drivers fight for the compensation they deserve; contact us to discuss your teen car accident case.
