For teenagers and parents across America, a set of car keys is a symbol of independence and growing up. While learning to drive is an important milestone, it is also a dangerous one: motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for U.S. teens, according to the CDC. And teen drivers (ages 16 to 19) are three times more likely to be involved in an accident than people older than 20.
This means that dealing with a teen child’s car accident is a reality many parents face. So what laws should you be aware of, and what do you do if it happens to you?
Graduated Driver Licensing Systems
If your teenager is approaching driving age, it is wise to educate yourself on your state’s teen driving laws and regulations. No state allows a person under the age of 18 to just walk into the DMV and apply for a driver’s license; instead, there are systems in place to allow teens to learn to drive more safely and gradually. For example, in West Virginia, teens between the ages of 15 and 17 can get licensed through a Graduated Driver’s License (GDL) system, but the exact details of such programs vary by state.
These established systems have helped reduce the number of motor vehicle-related injuries and fatalities. Know your state’s GDL law and enforce it for your teen. Make sure to have additional consequences in place if your teen chooses not to obey the law, and, if your state’s restrictions are lighter, set additional rules for your family. Doing your part to enforce the rules can prevent needless crashes and even save lives.
Parental Liability Laws
If your teen is a minor and is in an accident, there’s another set of laws you should be familiar with: civil parental liability.
Like GDL laws, these vary by state but tend to have some basic commonalities. Generally, they hold a parent responsible for a minor child’s actions and require the parent to financially compensate the injured party. For each state, there are monetary limits on property damages, child age limits, and whether personal injury damages can be included.
What to do if Your Teen is in an Accident
What if, after all you’ve done to familiarize yourself with the law, enforce consequences, and encourage your teen to make good decisions, they still get involved in a vehicular crash? Whether your teen is at fault or is an innocent victim, you’ll want to follow a few important steps during this stressful, scary time.
First, make sure that your child is safe and able to receive immediate medical attention, if they are injured. If possible, go to their location to provide support. Have them tell you about the events that led up to the crash. Then take pictures both of the crash scene and your teen’s injuries. No matter what your teen’s role in the collision, contacting a lawyer is a wise course of action, and photographic evidence will help build your case.
Safety Tips to Prevent Accidents
Parental influence is crucial to driving safety for teenagers. In addition to learning the laws and knowing what to do if a crash occurs, there are a few more steps you can take to help ensure your teen’s safety on the road:
- Be involved: Take an active role in teaching your child how to drive. Supervise their driving practice, and keep track of their progress.
- Enforce rules: Part of your job as a parent is to set clear consequences for your teen driver when they break any state laws or established family rules. Make sure you are also enforcing laws related to seatbelts and underage drinking.
- Never provide alcohol: Alcohol is a key factor in teen driving accidents, and supplying alcohol to anyone under the age of 21 is illegal. Do your part to prevent your teen from accessing alcohol.
- Make sure they’re insured: There are a plethora of options for new driver car insurance. Having your teen insured will help your lawyer fight for their compensation.
- Set a good example: Ensure that you follow all the rules and best practices in your own driving habits. Always wear a seatbelt, don’t speed, don’t drive while intoxicated (or tipsy), and don’t text and drive.