If you have been in a crash with a driver with a learner’s permit, call a lawyer for help proving fault and recovering a settlement.
As a new driver, there are few things more exciting than getting a learner's permit and having the opportunity to get behind the wheel of a car. As a more experienced driver, though, having inexperienced drivers on the road may be a thought that causes a bit of anxiety—the thought of being in an accident with a permit driver is even worse. At the Law Office of Raul A. Guajardo, P.L.L.C., our experienced Texas car accident attorney can represent you if you have been in a car accident with a permit driver in Edinburg, TX or the surrounding areas. Here is what you should know about fault and liability in these types of accidents.
How Did the Accident Happen?
The first thing to think about when determining liability for a car accident involving a permitted driver—as well as all other car accident types—is how the accident occurred. If the driver with the learner’s permit caused the accident through a negligent act, such as speeding or driving while distracted, then they can be held liable for it. While there is no legal requirement for parents to get insurance for teens with learner’s permit, the parent’s liability insurance policy should still apply, assuming that the parents had notified the insurance company in advance that the teen would be driving the car with the permit.
Parental Liability for Teen Accidents in Texas
In some cases, parents of teen drivers can be held liable for crashes. While parents are not automatically assumed to be liable for the negligent actions of their teens, the State Bar of Texas explains that a parent may be held liable when the “negligent conduct of the child is reasonably attributable to the negligent failure of the parent or other persons to exercise his or her duty of control and reasonable discipline of the child.” For example, if the parent allowed the child to drive outside of the limitations of the permit—i.e., allowing the child to drive the car without the supervision of a parent/guardian/adult over 21 years of age—then the parent could be held liable for damages caused by the child’s negligence. This is true even in cases involving fully licensed teens, not just those with learner’s permits or provisional licenses.
Work With a Skilled Edinburg Car Accident Attorney
Being involved in an accident caused by a driver with a learner’s permit can be frustrating, terrifying, and lead to questions about fault and liability. If you know that you were not to blame for the crash, it is important that you hire an Edinburg, Texas car accident attorney as soon as possible who can help you to build your case, establish fault and liability, identify sources of compensation, and negotiate your settlement.
At the Law Office of Raul A. Guajardo, P.L.L.C., our Edinburg car accident attorney is here to help. For a free consultation with our law firm, reach out to us today by phone or online. We work on a contingency fee basis.