Who’s Liable When a Teen Causes a Car Crash in Encino?

Teen drivers bring a lot of firsts: first taste of freedom, first late-night drive, and unfortunately for some families first car accident. In a city like Encino, where traffic patterns can be fast-paced and unforgiving, even one mistake behind the wheel can lead to serious consequences. And when that mistake involves a teen driver, the question of liability quickly gets complicated.

If your family is facing this situation, speaking with a trusted car accident attorney Encino can make all the difference. At Bojat Law Group, we’ve helped parents, injured parties, and young drivers untangle the legal and insurance challenges that follow these high-stress accidents. Let’s walk through what you need to know if a teen driver caused or was injured in a crash in Encino.

Teen Driver Liability: What California Law Says

California doesn’t treat teen drivers all that differently than adults when it comes to liability. Fault is based on negligence—was someone driving carelessly, speeding, distracted, or breaking traffic laws?

But here’s where it gets layered: teen drivers are statistically more likely to make mistakes, and when they do, the responsibility can stretch beyond them—often to their parents or even the owner of the car they were driving.

Can Parents Be Held Legally Responsible?

Yes—and this surprises a lot of people.

In California, parents or guardians can be held liable if their minor child (under 18) causes a crash. This is part of what’s called vicarious liability, and it applies in multiple ways:

If the teen lives at home and uses a family car.

If the teen was running a family-related errand.

If the parents signed their child’s driver’s license application, which California requires for minors.

There’s also something called the “family purpose doctrine”. If the car involved was purchased and maintained for general family use—parents could be financially liable for any damages their teen causes, even if they weren’t aware of the incident.

What If the Teen Was Driving Someone Else’s Car?

Liability may shift based on whose car was involved. Key questions include:

Did the teen have permission to use the vehicle?

Was the vehicle owner aware that the teen might be reckless, inexperienced, or even unlicensed?

This brings up the legal concept of negligent entrustment—if someone lends their vehicle to a person they know (or should know) is unfit to drive, they can be held partially responsible for any resulting crash.

So yes, if your teen borrowed a friend’s car—or if someone lent your teen a car without fully understanding their skill level—liability could spread beyond just the driver.

Insurance: The Tug-of-War After a Teen Crash

Insurance is where things often get messy.

Most teen drivers are added to a parent’s insurance policy. But insurers are quick to point fingers or minimize payouts, especially when young drivers are involved. Common issues we see:

Low coverage limits that don’t match the cost of medical treatment or long-term care.

Exclusions or technicalities that insurers use to deny coverage.

Blame games between parties involved, leading to delays or bad-faith denials.

If your teen caused the crash, your policy will likely be the first to pay—but if they weren’t listed on your plan, or the damages exceed your coverage, you could face personal financial exposure.

If your teen was injured by someone else, don’t expect a quick or fair offer from the other driver’s insurer. In fact, many families are shocked by how aggressive insurance companies become when dealing with claims involving young drivers.

What to Do After a Teen Driving Accident in Encino

Here’s what we recommend if your teen is involved in a crash:

Get medical care immediately, even for minor injuries. Adrenaline hides pain.

Call 911 and request a police report. You’ll need this for insurance and legal purposes.

Document the scene. Photos of the vehicles, road conditions, and contact info for witnesses are critical.

Notify your insurer, but avoid making broad statements about fault or responsibility.

Talk to a lawyer before accepting any settlement or signing documents.

Why You Need a Car Accident Attorney in Encino

Insurance companies love it when families try to handle things alone. They know the average person doesn’t understand the loopholes, pressure tactics, or long-term costs of an accident.

A skilled car accident  attorney in Encino can:

Investigate the crash independently. Was your teen really at fault—or just the easiest one to blame?

Protect your family’s finances if someone tries to sue you personally.

Negotiate with insurers to get fair compensation for injuries, lost wages, or long-term care.

Take the case to court if needed, especially in wrongful death or major injury cases.

At Bojat Law Group, we don’t just look at the police report—we listen to your story, fight the assumptions, and push back against insurance games. Whether your teen was wrongly blamed or made a mistake, we’ll stand by your side and advocate for the best possible outcome. 

Call Car Accident Attorney Encino at Bojat Law Group Today

A teen driving accident can change everything in a split second—but you don’t have to navigate the aftermath alone. Whether you’re a parent, a passenger, or another injured driver, we’re here to help you understand your rights and protect your future.

Reach out to Bojat Law Group today for a free, confidential consultation with a top-rated car accident attorney in Encino. We’ll review your case, deal with the insurance companies, and help you move forward with clarity, compassion, and legal strength. Call us or contact us online your family’s peace of mind starts here.