Car Accidents with Teens in Pennsylvania: Who’s Responsible for Paying?

One of the most exciting times for teenagers is when they reach the age to drive legally. This is the time that they can get in an automobile and enjoy a bit of freedom traveling from one place to the next.

Pennsylvania teen driving laws say that when a minor turns 16, they can drive once they have a minimum of 65 hours of supervised driving and have finished their driver’s education. While driving can be considered a rite of passage that provides independence and mobility, it can also be very dangerous during the initial years. Like anything, the more experience you have at something, the better you are at doing it. Driving is no different, and while car accidents happen every day and people of all ages are involved, teens are particularly at risk for being in the most serious crashes.

If you were in an accident with a teenager in Pennsylvania, you may wonder who is responsible for paying for the damages that you sustained. For questions like this and for legal representation and counsel, you are welcome to call a Pennsylvania car accident attorney at Edelstein Martin & Nelson, LLP.

Who is Responsible for Paying Compensation in a Teen Crash?

Though teen drivers under the age of 18 are not considered adults, if they have met the requirements to obtain a license and passed their driver’s test, when they are on the road, they are drivers like anyone else. As a result, Pennsylvania driving laws apply to them the same way they apply to any driver. In other words, teens are not treated differently under the law.

When a teen causes an accident, though, it may be unclear who is responsible for paying damages. In many situations, parents or legal guardians are liable. Teen drivers under the age of 18 usually need a legal guardian to sign their driver’s license application. Often, a parent’s auto insurance policy covers everyone in their household, including their teen driver. 

When this happens, if damages are less than the coverage limit of the insurance policy, then the claimant can obtain compensation from the insurance company directly. In situations where the damages exceed the insurance policy limits, a claimant may be able to file a lawsuit against the teen driver’s parents.

When a teen is 18 or older and causes a crash, the law considers them legal adults. As such, they can be liable for the accident, and victims can file a claim against them for the damages they sustained. An adult teen driver would be treated just the same as any other adult driver.

Speak with an Attorney at Edelstein Martin & Nelson, LLP

If your Pennsylvania car accident was caused by a teen, then depending on the circumstances, either the teen themself or their legal guardian would be liable for paying for the losses you suffered. For help with your claim, call Edelstein Martin & Nelson, LLP today at (215) 731-9900 and schedule a free consultation with an experienced Pennsylvania personal injury attorney.