If you’re in an accident with a teen, a car accident claim against the driver may be possible even if he or she is a minor, provided he or she is covered under an auto insurance policy.
Unfortunately, some teenage drivers do not have insurance coverage. Even in cases where the driver does have insurance, it may not have adequate coverage to cover your losses in an accident. If you have doubts about the party that you can name in your car accident claim after a collision with a teen driver, speak to a car accident lawyer.
Even if the teenager is not covered under his or her own insurance policy, he or she may have coverage under a parent’s insurance policy. An attorney will begin investigating all of these issues to determine the best possible source of compensation for you.
Earlier, the laws allowed car accident victims to hold parents of teenage drivers liable for damages under the doctrine of vicarious liability. However, those laws no longer hold true. Now, you may hold a teenage driver’s parents accountable for your losses only in certain circumstances, like if the teen was driving the parents’ car. Otherwise, you may still have other options to recover compensation.
In any car accident, you can still go ahead and file for compensation with your auto insurer if you have appropriate coverage. This might include medical payments coverage, collision coverage, etc.
If the teen driver is at fault, you may file a claim with the teen’s insurance company. In Texas, drivers must carry liability coverage to cover damages they cause to other drivers. If the teen does not have his own insurance, then his parents’ insurance may cover your damages if the teen is an insured driver on the policy.
If the teen has no insurance coverage, your uninsured motorist coverage – if you have it – can cover your damages. If the teen’s insurance is inadequate to cover all of your damages, your underinsured motorist coverage – again, if you have it – can help make up the difference.
Damages recoverable in a Dallas car accident claim involving a teenage driver are the same as those involving an adult driver.
If you suffered injuries in a car accident involving a teen driver, call a lawyer to discuss your options and for help filing a claim. Speak to an attorney at the Law Office of Julie Johnson by setting up an appointment with our firm. Call us at 214-290-8001 or fill out our online contact form.