Liability in a Teen Driver Car Accident

Teen drivers, especially those who have just started driving on their own, are much less experienced than older drivers and tend to be at greater risk of being involved in a motor vehicle collision in Texas. According to the National Safety Council (NSC), teens who are aged 16 and 17 with recent licenses are the most likely to be involved in a serious or fatal crash, and these collisions can happen at any time of the day (although nighttime driving tends to be more hazardous for inexperienced teen drivers). Data also suggests that teens may be more likely to engage in risky driving behaviors, including distracted driving, which can make a collision more likely.

When a teen driver is involved in a serious or fatal collision, who is liable? The answer to that question will depend on the specific facts of the case, but our Texas car accident lawyers can provide you with general information to consider.

Inexperienced Driving Can Result in a Teen Driver’s Fault in a Collision (but Not Always)

Inexperience behind the wheel simply makes a motorist more likely to be involved in a car crash than a more experienced driver, and it can even result in that motorist’s fault for a car crash. For example, an inexperienced teen driver might not remember to check all blind spots before attempting to change lanes and may cause a side-swipe accident with another vehicle.

At the same time, inexperience can also simply make it more difficult for a teen driver to avoid a collision that is the fault of another motorist. For example, experienced drivers may recognize the signs of distracted driving in a vehicle in front of them and may keep a greater following distance to avoid a collision, or may wait several seconds before going through a green light because of the experience of seeing drivers run red lights. A less experienced teen driver might not make the same experienced decisions behind the wheel and may be involved in a collision because of another motorist’s negligence.

Teens’ Vehicles May Be Less Road-Safe Than Newer Cars

A recent study published in JAMA Open Network also suggests that teen drivers are more likely than motorists of other ages to drive older cars — vehicles without safety features of newer cars that can prevent collisions and that can prevent injuries when a crash does occur.

Comparative Fault Laws in Texas Could Mean That Another Driver is Liable Even if a Teen Driver is Partially Responsible

It is also important to keep in mind that, even when a teen’s negligence plays a role in causing a collision, another driver might be more at fault and thus still liable. Texas uses a modified comparative fault system, which allows a plaintiff to recover damages as long as they are not 51 percent or more at fault (i.e., more at fault than the other driver).

Contact Our Texas Car Accident Attorneys Today for Help

Were you injured in a recent collision, or was your teenager seriously injured in a crash? It may be possible to file a claim with assistance from a lawyer. An experienced Texas car accident attorney at John Reed, Attorney at Law can speak with you today about your case. Whether you need assistance with an injury claim for yourself, or you need help with a wrongful death claim arising out of a fatal car crash, our firm is here to assist you. Contact us today to find out more about our services.

Sources:

injuryfacts.nsc.org/motor-vehicle/road-users/teen-drivers/

axios.com/2025/05/08/teens-driving-older-cars-fatal-crash-risk-study

statutes.capitol.texas.gov/docs/cp/htm/cp.33.htm