Hit by a Teen Driver? Who Is Liable in California | Sky Law Group

Hit by a teen driver in Orange County? Call Sky Law Group at (844) 475-9529. Free consultation, 24 hours a day. No fee unless we win. Hablamos Español.

Crashes involving teen drivers are often confusing for the injured person. The driver may be under 18, the car may belong to a parent, and the insurance may be the parents’ policy. Who is responsible, and who pays, depends on the facts.

Sky Law Group helps injured people identify every responsible party and every insurance policy that may apply.

Who May Be Responsible When a Teen Driver Causes a Crash?

A minor can be held responsible for negligent driving, but that is rarely the end of the story. Others may share responsibility depending on the facts.

• The vehicle owner, who in some cases is responsible for a driver who had permission to use the car, subject to limits set by California law
• A parent or guardian who signed the minor’s driver’s license application, who can be liable for the minor’s driving under Vehicle Code §17708
• The insurance company covering the household, which usually pays most claims
• Another party, such as an employer if the teen was driving for work

The limits and rules differ depending on who owned the car and who signed the license application, so each case needs to be reviewed.

Insurance Problems Common in Teen Driver Crashes

• Family policies may have limited coverage, and serious injuries can exceed those limits.
• The parents’ insurer may call you quickly and push for a recorded statement.
• The teen may say the crash was your fault even when the evidence shows otherwise.
• If the teen was driving without permission, the insurer may deny coverage.

This is where your own uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage can matter. Read about what to do if the other driver has no insurance.

What You May Be Able to Recover

Compensation may include medical bills, future care, lost income, pain and suffering, and property damage. Because a minor is involved, some settlements may require court approval if the injured person is a minor. We can explain the process.

What to Do Right Now

1. Get medical care, even if you feel fine. Some injuries show up hours or days later.
2. Document everything: photos, plates, insurance cards, witness names and phone numbers.
3. Report the crash and keep the report number. See our guide on insurance adjuster tricks before you talk to any insurer.
4. Do not admit fault or sign a release until you understand what your claim is worth. Read should I give a recorded statement?
5. Call Sky Law Group for a free consultation: (844) 475-9529.

California Filing Deadlines

Most California injury lawsuits must be filed within two years of the injury (Code of Civil Procedure §335.1). If a city, county or other public entity is involved, a claim generally must be presented within six months (Government Code §911.2). Read our statute of limitations guide. Every case is different and no result can be guaranteed.

Why Call Sky Law Group

• Free consultation, 24 hours a day
• Contingency fee: no fee unless we recover compensation for you
• Hablamos Español, with native Spanish-speaking support
• Serving every city in Orange County

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I sue a minor who caused my car accident?

In principle a minor can be held responsible for negligence, but practically the claim is usually pursued through the available insurance and, in the right cases, other responsible parties such as the vehicle owner or the parent who signed the license application.

Are parents responsible when a teen driver causes a crash?

In some situations yes. For example, Vehicle Code §17708 can make a person who signed the minor’s license application liable for the minor’s driving. The rules have limits, so speak with a lawyer.

What if my own child was the injured passenger in a teen driver’s car?

Injured minors have special protections, and settlements on their behalf may need court approval. Call us and we will explain your family’s options.

How much does it cost to hire Sky Law Group?

The consultation is free and we work on contingency, so you pay no attorney fee unless we recover compensation for you.

¿Hablan español?

Sí. Hablamos Español. Llame al (844) 475-9529 para una consulta gratis.

Related: Orange County car accident lawyer · average car accident settlement · settling without going to court · Orange County accident guides

Hurt in a crash? Call (844) 475-9529 now for a free consultation. Hablamos Español.