Are Parents Liable for their Teen’s Accident in Washington State?

If your teen causes a car accident in Washington State, can you be held financially responsible? The short answer: in many cases, yes. Washington law allows parents to be held accountable for their teen drivers. These laws exist to protect accident victims and promote safer roads.

In this post, we’ll explain when parents may be legally responsible for their teen’s driving mistakes. Plus, we’ll share practical steps to help reduce risks before your teen gets behind the wheel.

When are Parents Legally Responsible for their Teen Drivers?

There are several ways the law assigns responsibility to parents when their teen causes a car accident. If a teen causes an accident, the courts may consider different legal frameworks to who’s at fault.

Let’s break down some key legal principles in simple terms.

The Family Car Doctrine

A key factor in determining fault is by determining the ownership of the vehicle. Many teens drive a family car, which may be owned, maintained, and insured by their parents. Under the Family Car Doctrine, parents can be held responsible for an accident if:

• They own and/or insure the vehicle.
• They gave their teen permission to drive it.
• The car is used for family purposes.

In other words, if your teen regularly drives a vehicle maintained for family use, you could be financially liable for any damages they cause. This is true even if you weren’t in the car.

Parental Responsibility Laws

If a teen intentionally causes harm with a vehicle, such as deliberately crashing into another car or pedestrian, Washington law holds parents financially responsible. Under RCW 4.24.190, parents can be required to pay for their child’s willful or malicious actions, with damages capped at $5,000.

However, it’s important to note that this fine may be in addition to other financial consequences, such as insurance claims and potential lawsuits.

It’s clear that letting your teen drive comes with serious financial risks that go beyond gas money and insurance premiums.

Insurance Considerations for your Teen Driver

Car insurance is expensive—and rates only seem to keep rising. However, not having adequate coverage can be even more costly in the long run. Plus, Washington State law requires all drivers to carry insurance and have proof of coverage while driving (RCW 46.30.020).

Here are a few key things to consider when insuring your teen driver:

• Carry sufficient liability insurance. Washington’s minimum coverage requirements ($25,000 for bodily injury per person and $10,000 for property damage) may not be enough. A single trip to the ER can easily exceed these limits. Consider increasing your liability coverage to better protect your finances.
• Look into additional coverage options. Talk to your insurance agent about extra layers of protection. Umbrella insurance policies are often affordable and provide substantial financial coverage. We also strongly recommend carrying uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage, which can help if your teen is hit by a driver with little or no insurance.
• Take advantage of discounts. Many insurers offer discounts for good grades, but you may also be eligible for savings if your teen completes a defensive driving course or an approved driver education program.

While every family’s budget is different, aim to strike a balance between affordability and protection. The right insurance coverage can provide peace of mind when your teen is on the road.

Preparing your Teen for the Road

Feeling overwhelmed by the financial responsibilities that come with having a teen driver? The good news is that you can take proactive steps to help your teen become a safe and responsible driver.

Here are a few ways to set them up for success:

• Choose a reputable driving school. A solid foundation starts with good training. Ask friends and family for recommendations, especially if they have teens with strong driving records.
• Log those supervised driving hours (strategically). Washington State requires teens to complete 50 hours of supervised driving, but quality matters just as much as quantity. Don’t just stick to quiet neighborhoods. Make sure your teen gets experience on freeways, busy city streets, and in different conditions like rain, fog, and nighttime driving.
• Use a tracking app. Several apps allow you to monitor how your teen drives when you’re not in the car. These tools can provide insight into speeding, hard braking, and other risky behaviors. (See a few of our recommended teen driving apps.)
• Follow Washington’s intermediate license restrictions. Passenger and curfew limits may feel like a hassle, but they exist for a reason. They save lives. Plus, violating these restrictions can lead to extended penalties. For instance, your teen might not get full driving privileges until they turn 18. Read up on Washington’s teen driving laws for more information.

At the end of the day, you are the parent. If you believe your teen isn’t ready to drive safely, it’s okay to hold off on handing over the keys. As injury lawyers, we’ve seen firsthand how a single lapse in judgment can change lives forever. Dealing with an upset teen is temporary, but the consequences of a serious accident are not.

Experienced Tacoma Personal Injury Attorneys

At Ladenburg Law, we understand the complexities when a teen causes a car accident. If you were injured in a crash, we can help determine who’s responsible and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Call us today at 253.272.5226 or fill out the short form on our website to schedule a free consultation. We only charge a fee if we win your case.