Handing a teenager the car keys for the first time is a milestone that most parents confront with both pride and anxiety. However, there’s a side to teen driving many parents may not think about until it’s too late: What happens legally if your child causes an accident?
What signing for a teen’s license means
When a minor applies for a driver’s license, a parent or guardian must sign the application. Under the North Dakota Century Code, any negligence of a minor while driving is legally imputed to the person who signed that application. You become jointly and severally liable alongside your teen for any damages their negligence causes on the road.
It is also worth knowing that a parent can cancel their teen’s license at any time by filing a written request with the state. Once cancelled, the parent is relieved of future liability for the teen’s driving.
How far can that liability reach
When your teen causes an accident, the injured party may pursue a personal injury claim directly against you, not just your teen. Your insurance responds first. North Dakota requires minimum liability coverage of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident. In a serious accident, those limits can prove wholly inadequate. When damages exceed your policy, you may be personally responsible for satisfying the remaining obligation.
Steps that can protect your family
Teen drivers make up just 6% of licensed drivers in North Dakota, but are involved in nearly 20% of all crashes. Given the risks, there are steps every parent can take.
Start by reviewing your insurance coverage limits and make sure they reflect the real cost of a serious accident. Your teen should also be listed on your policy. Talk openly about distracted driving because passengers, fatigue and phones all play a role.
If your teen is ever in an accident, the North Dakota State Highway Patrol advises staying calm, securing the scene, calling 911 and gathering information. You may also need to contact your insurance provider as soon as possible.
While no parent foresees moments like these, having legal clarity can give you the footing to face them with confidence.