Experiencing a car accident can feel overwhelming, no matter the situation. Teen drivers, who are still gaining experience and are often more prone to accidents, account for many crashes in Missouri. When a young driver is involved in a crash in Springfield, it adds extra responsibilities for everyone involved, including parents, insurance companies, and Missouri’s graduated driver laws.
At Rah Law, we’re here to support accident victims like you every day. Knowing how liability is handled when the at-fault driver is a minor helps you safeguard your rights right from the beginning.
Teen Drivers and Liability
Teenagers are held to the same driving standards as adults and can be negligent if they cause an accident through unsafe behaviors. Since minors often lack assets to cover damages, liability typically falls on adults who signed their driver’s license or own the vehicle.
When Parents Are Legally Responsible
Missouri law requires a parent or guardian to sign a minor’s driver’s license application. By signing, the parent accepts responsibility for any negligent driving by that teen. This means that if a 16- or 17-year-old causes an accident, the injured party can pursue compensation from the parent, not just the teen.
Parents may be responsible if the teen:
• Caused a crash through careless or reckless driving
• Violated traffic laws
• Drove while distracted or texting
• Failed to follow Missouri’s graduated licensing rules
Furthermore, if the parent owns the car that the teen was driving, it’s typically the parent’s insurance that will cover the claim.
Insurance Coverage for Teen Drivers
Their family’s auto insurance policy usually covers teen drivers. Insurance companies often consider young drivers high-risk, so they charge higher premiums. However, these policies still provide liability coverage if the teen causes an accident.
After a collision, the injured may claim against:
• The vehicle owner’s insurance
• The parents’ insurance
• The teen’s own policy, if any
• Additional coverage, like medical payments or underinsured protection.
Insurance companies often attempt to reduce payouts when the at-fault driver is a young, inexperienced person. Adjusters might try to shift blame or claim that the injuries weren’t due to the teen’s negligence. Victims have the right to stand up for themselves, seek legal help, and avoid making statements that could hurt their case.
How Graduated Driver Licensing Rules Matter
Missouri’s graduated driver license system for teens limits when and how they can drive, restricting nighttime driving, passenger limits, and cellphone use. Violations like excessive passengers, driving after curfew, or texting can strengthen negligence claims if they cause crashes. These rules aim to protect road safety, and breaking them shows disregard for safety.
Common Causes of Teen-Driver Crashes in Springfield
Teen drivers tend to make more mistakes because they’re still gaining experience. Common reasons for crashes involving teens include speeding, distracted driving, tailgating, making improper turns, running stop signs, and overcorrecting in emergencies.
Victims often report sudden lane changes, drifting within lanes, or clear signs of distracted driving. These risky behaviors can result in serious injuries, especially in busy Springfield traffic.
Your Right to Compensation
If a teenage driver causes an accident that injures you, you have the same legal rights as in any other collision. Under Missouri law, you can file a claim to recover expenses such as medical bills, future treatment costs, and other losses resulting from the injury. This includes lost wages, reduced earning capacity, vehicle repair or replacement, pain and suffering, and any long-term effects of the injury.
Most teen driver accidents likely involve passengers or multiple vehicles, making early legal advice crucial. Several insurance companies may be involved, each trying to evade liability.
Protecting Yourself After the Accident
After a crash involving a teen driver, victims may hesitate to pursue legal action out of sympathy. While compassion is understandable, claims are made against insurance, not the teen. Seeking compensation prevents medical debt and financial strain. You can gather evidence, obtain the police report, request witness statements, and consult a personal injury lawyer before speaking with the insurance company.
When to Contact a Lawyer
If a teenage driver caused your accident in Springfield, talking to an attorney can be a valuable step to understanding your options. Many victims are often surprised to learn how much responsibility parents may have and how insurance coverage applies in these situations.
At Rah Law, we assist accident victims in navigating the unique challenges that come with accidents involving minor drivers. You deserve fair compensation for your injuries, clear information about your rights, and protection from insurance tactics aimed at working against you.
