Watching your vehicle get hit is stressful enough. Learning that the at-fault driver is a teenager often raises even more questions. If the driver is under 18, who is actually responsible for paying for your injuries and property damage? Can the teen's parents be held liable? What happens if the teen doesn't have insurance?
The answers depend on the specific circumstances of the crash and Texas law. Here's what you should know if you've been involved in an accident with a teen driver in Texas.
Teen Drivers Must Carry Auto Insurance
Like all motorists in Texas, teen drivers are required to meet the state's minimum auto insurance requirements. In many cases, a teenager is listed as a driver on a parent's auto insurance policy, meaning the parents' insurance may provide coverage if the teen causes an accident.
Texas requires drivers to carry minimum liability coverage of:
- $30,000 for bodily injury per person
- $60,000 for bodily injury per accident
- $25,000 for property damage per accident
However, these minimum limits may not fully cover serious injuries or significant vehicle damage.
Is the Teen Personally Responsible?
If a teen driver is negligent and causes a crash, they can be held legally responsible for the damages they cause. However, because most teenagers have limited financial resources, recovering compensation directly from the teen is often impractical.
Instead, claims are typically made against the applicable insurance policy covering the vehicle or the teen driver.
Can Parents Be Held Responsible?
In some situations, yes.
Parents are not automatically liable simply because they are the parent of a teen driver. However, Texas law recognizes situations where parents or guardians may share responsibility.
For example, parents may be liable if they:
- Signed the teen's driver's license application under circumstances recognized by Texas law
- Knowingly allowed an inexperienced, reckless, or unsafe teen to use the vehicle
- Owned the vehicle involved in the accident
- Were independently negligent in entrusting the vehicle to the teen
Every case is different, and determining liability often requires a careful review of the facts.
What if the Teen Was Driving Someone Else's Car?
Insurance coverage can become more complicated when the teen was driving a vehicle they do not own.
Depending on the circumstances, coverage may come from:
- The vehicle owner's insurance policy
- The teen driver's own insurance policy
- Another applicable policy that provides coverage
Because multiple insurance companies may become involved, determining which policy applies can quickly become complicated.
What Happens if Insurance Isn't Enough?
Unfortunately, serious accidents can result in damages that exceed available insurance coverage.
If the at-fault driver's policy limits are insufficient, you may have other options, including:
- Filing a claim under your own uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage, if you carry it
- Pursuing additional responsible parties when supported by the facts
- Exploring whether other insurance policies provide coverage
An attorney can evaluate all potential sources of compensation after reviewing your case.
What Should You Do After the Accident?
If you're involved in a crash with a teen driver, take the same steps you would after any other accident:
- Call 911 and report the accident.
- Seek medical attention if anyone is injured.
- Exchange insurance and contact information.
- Take photographs of the vehicles, accident scene, and any visible injuries.
- Speak with witnesses if possible.
- Avoid discussing fault at the scene.
- Contact a personal injury attorney before accepting an insurance settlement.
The sooner evidence is preserved, the easier it may be to build a strong claim.
An Attorney Can Help Protect Your Rights
Accidents involving teen drivers can present unique legal and insurance issues, especially when questions arise about parental responsibility, insurance coverage, or multiple potentially liable parties.
An experienced Texas personal injury attorney can investigate the accident, identify all available insurance coverage, negotiate with insurance companies, and pursue the compensation you deserve for your medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and other damages.
If you've been injured in an accident caused by a teen driver in Texas, contact MAS Law today for a free consultation. We'll review your case, explain your legal options, and help you move forward with confidence.
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