Parental Liability for Crash Caused by a Teenage Driver
- Home / Auto Accidents /
- Parental Liability for Crash Caused by a Teenage Driver
December 30, 2020
The simple answer is yes, parents can be held liable if their child causes a car crash. Often, the child is on his or her parent’s car insurance policy. The liability insurance on that policy would likely the cover the other driver’s damages, up to the policy limits.
The victim of the crash may also be able to file a lawsuit against the child’s parents for damages under Arizona’s parental responsibility laws.
If you have been injured in a car accident with a minor, give our firm a call today to discuss your legal options for pursuing compensation. Our Phoenix-based auto accident lawyers are ready to help you pursue full compensation for your damages. The initial consultation is free and there are no upfront fees.
Pursuing a Claim After an Accident with a Teenage Driver
Even though a parent was not in the car at the time of the crash, his or her auto insurance is often the one used to pay for damages from an accident caused by a teenage driver. This is generally because the teenager is on his or her parents’ car insurance policy ”“ sometimes parents pay for this and sometimes the child pays to be added to the policy.
In Arizona, it is generally true that the car insurance follows the car and not the driver. That means even if the crash is caused by someone not listed on the policy, but that person is a relative and lives with the insured, the insurance would still apply. If the teenage driver is not listed on the policy but was driving one of the cars insured on the policy, the coverage would likely still apply.
What if a Teenager was Driving a Car Loaned to Him or Her by Someone Else?
If you loan your car to someone else, and he or she lets his or her teenage child drive the car, your insurance will likely cover damages the child causes in a crash. That said, things may be more complicated if you loan your car to someone and tell them not to let their teenager drive the car. If you did not give permission for someone to drive your car, it is possible you will not be held liable for damages that may be caused by a crash.
What if a Parent Prohibited a Teenager from Driving Their Car?
Sometimes parents buy a car for their child to use and prohibit them from driving mom or dad’s car. Would the parent’s insurance policy still apply after an accident?
This is a complex question you should discuss with a licensed attorney. Insurance coverage follows the car, but the child was prohibited from driving the car involved in the accident. If you left the keys in a place where you know your child might find them, it may be tough to argue there was no implied permission to take the keys and drive the car.
Arizona Parental Responsibility Laws
Most car crashes caused by teenage drivers were simply the result of negligent behavior, such as texting and driving or speeding. However, there may be situations where the teenage driver’s actions were willful or malicious.
These actions are covered by Arizona’s parental responsibility laws. Essentially, these laws state parents may be held strictly liable for these actions. In other words, parents could be held liable even if they did not have a reason to anticipate these actions by their child.
Even though the child may be at fault, insurance policies may exclude coverage for willful or malicious actions. That may mean the parent would be unable to use the insurance policy to cover damages. If a victim filed a lawsuit in that situation, the parent may be personally responsible for the damages.
It is important to note parents cannot be sued for non-economic damages under Arizona parental responsibility laws.
Need Help After an Accident? Give Phillips Law Group a Call
For nearly three decades, our firm has been recovering compensation on behalf of accident victims throughout Arizona. We know compensation cannot change what happened, but we understand how important it is as victims look to move forward.
There is no risk in contacting us because there are no upfront fees. There is also no obligation to hire our firm. Once we determine if you may have a case, you decide if you want to move forward.
Call Phillips Law Group today for assistance. 1-800-706-3000
Free Case Evaluation
By submitting your contact information, you agree that we may contact you by telephone (including text) and email in accordance with our Terms and Privacy Policy

Your message has been sent
Thank you for your message, we will get back to you soon.
Categories:
- Auto Accidents
- Business Litigation
- Class Action Lawsuits
- Defective Drug
- Defective Products
- Employee Rights
- Employment Law
- Firm News
- Local
- Medical Malpractice
- Motorcycle Accidents
- Nursing Home Abuse
- Pedestrian Accident
- Personal Injury
- Premises Liability
- Product Liability
- Slip and Fall
- Social Security Disability
- Workers' Compensation
- Wrongful Death
-
Positive: Professionalism, Quality, Responsiveness, Value As someone who is familiar with the inner workings of the auto insurance industry I can whole heartedly endorse Steven J. Jones and Phillips law group as someone I would want on my side should litigation take place. They handled my case professionally, honestly, and with satisfactory results which I would not have expected without enlisting their help.
-
Phillips law group is a great firm! Caroline is great.
-
Great experience! Took care of pretty much everything, and I always felt like I want in good hands. Caroline Fa. was also a great help with everything. She always returned my calls and I never felt unheard. Even after my case she would still help me with my insurance documents.
-
Thank you Phillips Law Group for all the support and back to school assistance we appreciate it.
-
I would like to send special thanks to Phillips Law Group for giving me the opportunity to be a part of the Best Law Firm here in the Valley. During these troubling times with the epidemic, Phillips Law Group has masterfully created this family-like environment while still maintaining a professional and business-like approach for all their clients. Thru impeccable leadership that is unmatched by other law firms to the Multi-diverse employment opportunities that many employees advance within the firm; Phillips Law Group has not only distanced themselves from all other competition in the Personal Injury field but also has innovatively changed the narrative of being a great law institution. From providing Employee Appreciation Day to celebrating all major Holiday including great competitive contests; Phillips Law Group has the total participation of all employees to help contribute to the continued success of this firm. So in closing I would like to thank Senior Administration (Jeffery Phillips, Eva Chiaramonte, and Tim Tonkin) along with all of my colleagues and many friends for help making Phillips Law Group a unique and wonderful place to call my place of employment for 6+ years.
-
Working at Phillips Law Group has been great the 1st few years in I noticed how well organized and run this Firm was from Intake to Settlement the Client has the expertise of a staff member uniquely qualified for the particular stage of each Clients claim and all other Law firms try to emulate what we do here but none quite get it right because they lack one major component “Compassion”. We are a FAMILY not just a group of people/employees. We care deeply about each other and our clients’ we are considerate, compassionate and make sure that all our Clients’ needs are met from beginning to end. That’s because we treat our clients just like we treat each other. Nothing like walking through the office and saying Hello to fellow employees who always seem to be smiling. 16yrs in and it only seems to be getting better.
-
Phillips Law Group has a proven track record of success. Juan Roque, in particular, is integral to that. He works with integrity, compassion, and an undefeated optimism that makes him a valuable asset.
-
Two family members were in a bad wreck a couple of years ago, and as a result called Phillips Law to represent them. Montana Thompson was the attorney assigned to the case with the help of Nemo Farr as legal assistant. Mr. Thompson litigated a very generous settlement for both my stepdaughter and her son. Because my grandson is a minor, I decided to act as conservator for him to ensure the settlement was safe and secure. Montana helped with that process, but it was Nemo who went way above and beyond the call in finding a financial institution to use for the restricted account. There were some glitches in that process but Nemo helped navigate them with a calm expertise which belies his age. I would consider them both great representatives of the level of commitment to their clients and assets to their firm.
-
I would like to thank Vanessa Rodriguez for helping me with my case because I was in total shock about the accident. She had listened to all my concerns and had answered every question I had . She was great !!!
-
Kathy Hudson and Donato Giovanatto. Continues to go above and beyond the call of duty. Reaching out to the insurance company about the damage to the vehicle. Forcing them to take responsibility.