Accidents With Underage Drivers In Las Vegas

What Happens If A Minor Crashes A Car In Nevada?

Under Nevada law, teens are generally held responsible for the traffic accidents they cause. If the teen is on the parents’ insurance policy, the parents’ policy usually pays. In some cases, a parent may also be held responsible for negligently entrusting their vehicle to an underage driver incapable of safely operating a motor vehicle. 

Parents are typically required to take a supervisory role over their children’s driving activities. They should ensure that their children are abiding by all laws and learning the appropriate rules and Las Vegas driving tips that will keep them safe.

Dui Laws For Underage Drivers In Nevada

The DUI laws for underage drivers in Nevada follow a zero-tolerance policy. This means that drivers with a blood-alcohol content (BAC) of .02% or more can face:

• Fines
• License suspension
• Jail time or juvenile hall
• Community service

The more serious the crash and the higher a victim’s BAC, the harsher the punishment tends to be. 

Penalties For Underage Drivers Involved In Accidents

Underage drivers face the same penalties as adults for violating traffic statutes, which include fines and points on their licenses. If the violation is something serious like reckless driving or aggressive driving, the minor may be charged with a crime, which could net time in jail. 

Additionally, if alcohol is a factor in the crash, the underage driver can face criminal penalties as well. Juvenile hall and jail are on the table as penalties for DUIs and DUI accidents caused by minors. 

Seeking Legal Representation For Underage Car Driver Accidents

If you have been in an accident with an underage driver, hiring an attorney is essential. The rules of compensation can be complex in these cases. Parental liability may be a factor which could allow you to hold the parents financially responsible. 

Meeting with an attorney for a free consultation can help you protect your compensation interests. The attorney will understand the rules involved in your case and how to proceed in a manner that increases your odds of getting properly compensated. 

Remember that claims against underage drivers fall under the personal injury statute of limitations of two years in Nevada. The clock starts on the date of the car accident. For minors, however, the rules are different. When a minor is the victim of a personal injury, the clock begins when they turn 18 years old. 

Under Age Drivers FAQs

Can Parents Be Held Liable For Accidents Caused By Their Underage Driver In Nevada?

Many people wonder, “Are parents liable for children’s car accidents in Las Vegas?” The answer is complex. Parents may be held liable for accidents caused by their teens if they have negligently entrusted a vehicle to them. 

They may also be held liable if they allow their child to drive their car while drinking. Additionally, parents can be held responsible for their children’s accidents under NRS 41.470, which allows parents to be accountable for a child’s willful misconduct. 

What Are The Insurance Requirements For Underage Drivers In Nevada?

All drivers in Nevada must carry insurance, including teens. This insurance compensates victims in the event of an accident caused by the teen. Depending on the situation, the teen may have their own insurance or be covered under the insurance of their parents. In most cases, the latter is far less expensive. 

Underage drivers must carry or be covered by:

• $25,000 in bodily injury or death coverage for one person
• $50,000 in bodily injury or death coverage for two people in one accident
• $20,000 in property damage coverage

Keep in mind that it is typically far less expensive to add a teen to their parent’s policy than to purchase a stand-alone policy for the teen. 

What Happens If An Underage Driver Is Involved In A Dui-Related Accident In Nevada?

If an underage driver is involved in a DUI crash, they will likely be arrested and charged with underage DUI. The underage driver will also likely be responsible for paying damages, which may be covered by their parent’s insurance policy or a stand-alone policy of their own. 

To learn more about the legal issues surrounding driving and personal injury, you can review Nevada law resources online and consult with a qualified attorney.

Protecting Your Future

If you have been in a traffic accident involving an underage driver, protect your future by contacting an experienced car accident attorney. Victims of these accidents need experienced counsel to ensure that they get fair compensation, as the rules are slightly different for minors. 

At Adam S. Kutner, Injury Attorneys, our seasoned team can file a claim on your behalf and fight for your best interests every step of the way.