According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a total of 2,667 teens from ages 16 to 20 years old were involved in traffic fatalities in 2019. Motor vehicle accidents are the second leading cause of death among teens ages 13 to 19 and the leading cause of death among 15- to 18-year-olds.
There are numerous risk factors that contribute to the high number of accidents involving adolescent drivers including inexperience, nighttime and weekend driving, failure to use vehicle restraints, distracted driving, drinking and driving, and speeding.
Among all states, Texas consistently ranks 1st with respect to fatal crashes involving drivers ages 15-20. The duties imposed under the fault concept of negligence apply to all drivers, including teenagers. In other words, teenagers are held to the same legal standard as adult drivers.
In certain situations, the teen’s parents could be held liable for the damages resulting from their teen’s car accident. The exact theory of imposing liability will depend on the circumstances of the accident and the state in which it occurred.
Texas follows the negligent entrustment doctrine. Under this legal theory, a parent may be held liable when their teen causes a car accident if the parent knew or should have known that the teen driver was a danger to others on the road.
If you or someone you love has been injured as a result of someone else’s negligent acts, contact an experienced attorney at Abraham, Watkins, Nichols, Agosto, Aziz & Stogner by calling (713) 222-7211 or 1-800-870-9584 for your free consultation. The law firm of Abraham, Watkins, Nichols, Agosto, Aziz & Stogner is the longest-standing personal injury firm in Texas, and our attorneys are standing by to assist with your claim.