Why I’m Writing This
You might be wondering why a personal injury attorney—someone who spends every day fighting insurance companies for fair compensation—would write a blog about what to do when you or your teen is at fault in a collision. The answer is simple: because I care.
I care about protecting families. I know that in life, accidents happen. And when they do, the aftermath can feel overwhelming.
The Reality of Being at Fault
When you or your teen is responsible for a collision, a flood of questions follows:
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What should you do next?
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How will it impact your insurance rates?
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Could it affect your liability or future driving privileges?
These are the concerns families face in the wake of an accident. This blog is here to provide clear answers—so you can take the right steps to protect yourself and your family.
A Parent’s Perspective
As a mom of teens, I know the challenges new drivers face. I also know what it’s like to be at fault in a crash. Years ago, I caused a collision. My insurance covered it, and I was fortunate that it didn’t have lasting consequences. That experience shaped my understanding: even responsible drivers make mistakes—and that’s exactly why having the right insurance coverage is so important.
Understanding Insurance and Liability
In my work as a personal injury attorney, I see how quickly an accident can change lives. A brief distraction, a moment of inexperience—it can all lead to a crash with serious consequences. My job isn’t about punishing those who cause accidents; it’s about helping my clients recover and move forward.
For at-fault drivers, insurance is there to protect you and your family. In most cases, if your insurance company does its job, your role in the claim will be limited to being named in a lawsuit. However, things can get more complicated when comparative fault is involved—something you may need to discuss with your insurance adjuster or the defense attorney assigned to your case.
Why the Right Insurance Matters
More than anything, I want families to feel prepared, not panicked when accidents happen. The right insurance policy doesn’t just protect you when you or your teen causes a collision—it also ensures you’re covered when someone else is at fault.
With the right coverage, you have a safeguard against medical bills, vehicle repairs, and legal defense—no matter who caused the crash. Taking the right steps now means protecting your family’s future and building a safer, more resilient community.
What to Do If Your Teenager Causes a Car Accident
Getting the call that your teen has been in a car accident is every parent’s nightmare. Panic sets in, and if your teen was at fault, you may be wondering what this means for your family—both legally and financially.
The good news? There’s a clear process to follow. Here’s what to do immediately after your teen causes a car accident:
1. Ensure Safety First
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Confirm that your teen and everyone involved are safe.
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If there are any injuries, they should call 911 immediately for emergency medical assistance.
2. Advise Your Teen to Stay Calm and Avoid Admitting Fault
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Even if your teen thinks they caused the accident, fault is determined by insurance adjusters, not by what’s said at the scene.
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They should never apologize or admit fault, as this could complicate the insurance claim.
3. Have Them Document the Scene
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Instruct your teen to take clear photos of:
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All vehicles involved
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Visible damage
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Skid marks and debris
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Street signs, traffic lights, or other relevant surroundings
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Any injuries (if safe and appropriate to do so)
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If there are witnesses, they should collect names and contact details.
4. Exchange Information
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Your teen should provide their driver’s license, registration, and insurance details to the other driver(s).
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They should also collect the same information from the other driver(s).
5. Contact Your Insurance Company Immediately
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Report the accident to your insurance provider as soon as possible.
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The insurance company will walk you through the claims process and next steps.
Get a Step-by-Step Guide for Your Teen
For a detailed guide that your teen can keep in the car, check out my What to Do if You’re in a Car Wreck: A Guide for Teens and Their Parents. This includes much more information, including what to do when you are injured.
Want a physical copy for your glovebox? Email us at [email protected] with the subject line Teen Glovebox Guide, include your mailing address, and we’ll send one your way.
Parental Liability and Financial Responsibility in Teen Accidents
When your teen starts driving, it’s natural to worry about their safety on the road—but have you considered the financial risks as well? If your teen causes an accident, you may be legally and financially responsible, depending on the circumstances. Understanding Washington State’s laws, how an accident can impact your insurance rates, and the steps you can take to protect your family’s assets can help you plan ahead.
Parental Liability Under Washington Law
Washington follows the Family Car Doctrine, which means that if a parent owns, provides, or maintains a vehicle for family use, they can be held liable for any accidents caused by a family member driving that vehicle.
This means that:
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If your teen is driving your car with your permission and causes an accident, you may be legally responsible for damages, medical bills, and other financial losses.
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If the cost of damages exceeds your insurance policy limits, you could be personally responsible for the remaining costs.
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Even if your teen has their own insurance policy, the fact that they are a minor means that parents could still be financially impacted depending on the circumstances of the accident.
Being aware of these potential liabilities allows you to take proactive steps to protect your finances.
Insurance Issues with Teens
When a teen driver is at fault in a crash, one of the biggest concerns for parents is how it will impact their insurance premiums. Here’s what you need to know:
1. Your Insurance Premiums Will Likely Increase
Teen drivers are already considered high-risk, and an at-fault accident will only increase that risk in the eyes of insurers. Parents can typically expect:
- A significant rate hike following an at-fault accident.
- Potential loss of good driver discounts that may have helped lower the policy cost.
- Higher renewal rates for multiple years after the accident.
2. Your Policy Must Include Your Teen Driver
To ensure full coverage in the event of an accident:
- Your teen must be listed on your auto insurance policy once they receive their license.
- If your teen is not listed and they get into a crash, coverage may be denied, leaving you personally responsible for damages.
3. Accident Forgiveness Programs May Help
- Some insurance companies offer accident forgiveness programs, which prevent
your premium from drastically increasing after a first-time accident. - However, not all insurers offer this benefit, and it may require you to opt in or pay an
additional fee before an accident happens.
Legal Defense Provided by Your Insurer
One of the benefits of having auto insurance in Washington is that your policy typically includes legal defense coverage if you or your teen gets sued following an accident.
Here’s how it works:
- If your teen is at fault in an accident and the other party files a lawsuit, notify your insurance company immediately.
- Your insurance company will assign a defense attorney to handle the case.
- The insurance company, not you, is responsible for defending the claim and paying out settlements or judgments—up to your policy’s coverage limits.
However, if damages exceed your insurance policy’s limits, you could be personally liable for the remainder, which is why additional coverage is crucial
How to Protect Your Family Financially
An at-fault accident can result in significant financial exposure if damages exceed policy limits. To better protect your family, consider these options:
1. Increase Your Liability Coverage
Washington requires minimum liability insurance, but these limits are inadequate to cover a major accident.
- Consider increasing bodily injury and property damage limits (at least $100,000) to protect against higher value claims.
- Higher limits help ensure that hospital bills, property damage, and general damages are fully covered for the at fault party and you aren’t personally responsible.
2. Get an Umbrella Insurance Policy
Umbrella insurance provides extra liability protection above and beyond your standard auto insurance.
- If an accident causes $250,000 in damages, but your auto policy only covers $100,000, an umbrella policy can cover the remaining $150,000.
- Umbrella policies often start at $1 million in additional coverage and are surprisingly affordable compared to the risk they mitigate.
3. Get Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UM/UIM)
- If your teen is in an accident caused by a driver without enough insurance, UM/UIM coverage helps cover medical expenses, lost wages, and damages.
- You want this coverage for members of your household regardless of fault. This is protection if you are hit by someone who has inadequate coverage, which happens often.
Preventative Measures: Helping Your Teen Become a Safer Driver
While insurance can help with financial protection, the best way to avoid claims and premium hikes is to prevent accidents in the first place. Here are some steps to help your teen become a safer, more responsible driver:
✔ Enroll Your Teen in a Defensive Driving Course
- Many insurance companies offer discounts for completing a driver safety course.
- These courses teach hazard awareness, accident avoidance, and emergency handling skills.
✔ Set Clear Driving Rules
- Establish and enforce household driving rules such as:
- No texting or phone use while driving.
- Limiting nighttime driving (especially between midnight and 5 AM when
accident risk is highest). - Restricting the number of passengers, as peer distractions increase crash
risk for young drivers.
✔ Lead by Example
- Teens learn from what they see. If you avoid speeding, distractions, and aggressive driving, your teen is more likely to do the same.
- Model good driving habits and hold yourself accountable to the same rules you expect them to follow.
When a teen causes an accident, the legal and financial consequences can be serious. However, with the right insurance coverage, liability protections, and preventative measures, you can minimize risk and protect your family’s future.
How I Can Help You Right Now
Navigating insurance and accident claims can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. Here are two ways I can support you and your family today:
1. Get a Free Insurance Review
If you live in Washington, I can help ensure you have the right coverage to protect your family before an accident happens. I’ll review your auto insurance policy to check for:
- Liability limits – Are they high enough to protect you if your teen causes a serious
accident? - Uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage – Will you be covered if the
at-fault driver doesn’t have enough insurance? - Personal injury protection (PIP) – Do you have coverage for medical expenses,
regardless of fault? - Umbrella policies – Do you have extra protection if damages exceed your auto
policy limits?
Having the right coverage now can save you stress and financial hardship later. If you’re unsure whether your current policy offers enough protection, I’m happy to help.
2. Supporting Your Family When It Matters Most
My mission is to protect families—and that doesn’t stop at insurance reviews. If you, your teen, or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, especially if someone else was at fault, I’m here to guide you through the process.
- Navigating the claims process – Understanding your rights and what steps to take next.
- Dealing with insurance companies – Ensuring you aren’t pressured into a low settlement.
- Securing the care and compensation you deserve – Making sure your family’s medical needs and financial losses are covered.
You don’t have to face this alone. Whether you have questions about coverage, need help after an accident, or just want guidance on protecting your family, I’m just a call or email away.
