Serious car accidents not only involve adults, but children can also be responsible for such damage-causing accidents. Unfortunately, drivers aged 16-19 are more likely to be involved in accidents compared to experienced adults. Georgia law extends the liability of such accidents to parents who can be held accountable when their child causes an accident or intentional harm.
If you are involved in such an accident, it can be difficult or awkward to sue a child. Additionally, if a car accident is caused by a minor, you cannot directly sue them. However, the parents or guardians of the minor may be held responsible under Georgia Law.
Nevertheless, there are certain circumstances where the parent or guardian may not be liable for damages caused by their child. In such a situation, the assistance of an Atlanta car accident attorney can be valuable.
Let us dwell deeper to know when you can sue a minor for a car accident in Georgia.
What to do when a Minor causes an accident?
It can be extremely frustrating to deal with a car accident caused by a minor. However, you can protect your right to fair compensation by following the right steps after the car crash.
- Stay calm and wait for the police, to get insurance details
- Report any signs of intoxication or reckless behavior of the teen driver to the responding officer
- Get medical help to document your injuries
- Contact a car accident attorney for guidance
The moments after an accident can be confusing and stressful. It is crucial to stay calm, get medical attention, gather evidence, and prepare to pursue fair compensation for your losses. Georgia has several parental responsibility laws that make parents or guardians liable for wrongful acts caused by the minor.
Liability of Parents in Car Accidents Caused by their Children
Parents may be liable for motor accidents caused by their children in certain situations. The parent may be specifically negligent and liable for damages if:
- They knew the child was an irresponsible or incompetent driver.
- They entrusted the vehicle to their underage child.
- The accident was caused by a child’s negligence.
For an accident caused by a minor, their parents’ insurer should compensate you for the damages. Teen drivers are covered under the auto insurance of their parents. However, you may need to directly sue the parents for compensation in certain cases.
An accident injury lawyer in Atlanta, GA, can help in establishing parental negligence after an accident caused by a minor driver.
Conclusion:
In a nutshell, if you were involved in an accident with a minor who can’t be held liable for negligence, you can pursue compensation against the parents or guardians of the child. Even when someone is injured by a child, they deserve to get compensation for the medical bills and damages.
At Karma Injury Law, we have experience dealing with such situations, and our car accident attorneys know how to handle such claims. Get started on your case today and explore your legal options by scheduling a free consultation.
