My child got in an accident when driving on their permit – what happens now?
It is scary enough when you get in a car accident yourself, but when your child, who is learning to drive, gets in an accident, it can be downright frightening. You probably have no idea what to do or how to handle the situation.
If you are asking, “My child got in an accident when driving on their permit – what happens now?” then you have come to the right place to get answers. Talking to an experienced car accident attorney could help you feel more in control of the situation.
Laws Pertaining to Driver Permits and Liability
Pursuant to Section 56-1-110 of the South Carolina Code of Laws, parents who sign their child’s application for a driver’s permit are jointly and severally liable for the motor vehicle negligence of the minor, unless there is a policy of insurance in place that provides required coverage.
This means that the parent or guardian could be liable for the damages caused by a teen driver’s negligence.
Even with insurance, an injured party may sue the parents if the damages exceed the policy limits. If you are facing a lawsuit, contact our team immediately.
Driving with a Permit without Supervision
If your child has a learner’s permit, review the permit laws and regulations with them to ensure they understand when and under what conditions they may drive. In our state, a child may drive alone during certain daytime hours but must be supervised at all other times.
There could be penalties if the child does not follow the rules of the learner’s permit.
If the child lacks confidence driving alone, a parent or guardian should accompany them. Supervised driving helps reduce the risk of accidents.
What to Do After an Accident Involving a Child Driver
Treat the accident as you would any accident. First, assess the situation and check for injuries. Call 911. Take photos of any damage to create a record of the accident scene. Exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver involved in the accident.
Even if the accident was caused by your child who has an instruction permit, you should contact your insurance company and report the accident and damages. The insurance policy that covers the vehicle that your child was driving would be the insurance policy that the other driver contacts and seeks compensation from in the event of damages. This insurance policy is typically held by the parents.
If you are unsure about your rights or want to ensure your child’s protection from legal ramifications after the accident, we encourage you to contact our law firm.
Let Us Know More About an Accident Your Child Had While Driving with a Permit
My child got in an accident when driving on their permit – what happens now? When your child is involved in a crash while driving on a permit, you need clear answers. Get in touch with Whetstone Perkins & Fulda to speak with an experienced accident attorney about your child’s unique circumstances. Young drivers face specific legal challenges, and early action is key to protecting their future.
Schedule a consultation today to learn more about what to expect and how to move forward.
