In Missouri, parents can be legally responsible for their teen’s actions behind the wheel in certain situations. Contact us today.
Teen drivers have a significantly higher risk of being involved in car accidents than experienced motorists. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), teen drivers (ages 16-19) are nearly three times more likely to be in fatal crashes compared to drivers aged 20 and older (CDC Teen Driver Facts).
Due to their lack of experience, distracted driving tendencies, and risky behavior, accidents involving teen drivers are all too common. But when a teen driver causes a crash, can their parents be held liable?
Need legal advice? Contact The Hoffmann Law Firm for a free consultation today.
Missouri Laws on Teen Drivers & Parental Responsibility
1. Missouri’s Graduated Driver License (GDL) Program
Missouri enforces a Graduated Driver License (GDL) system to ensure that teen drivers gain experience before obtaining full driving privileges. The program includes:
- Instruction Permit (Age 15): Teens must drive under supervision.
- Intermediate License (Age 16-18): Teens can drive alone but with restrictions.
- Full License (Age 18+): No restrictions if the teen has maintained a clean record (Missouri Department of Revenue)
2. Parental Liability Under Missouri Law
While a teen is driving under an instruction permit, the parent or guardian supervising them assumes full liability for any accident they cause.
Once a teen receives their intermediate license, parental liability depends on the circumstances of the crash and specific legal doctrines, including:
A. Vicarious Liability (Negligent Entrustment)
Under Missouri’s negligent entrustment laws, parents can be held liable if they knowingly allow their teen to drive despite being an unsafe driver. Examples include:
- The teen has a history of reckless driving or traffic violations.
- The teen has been caught driving under the influence.
- The teen is inexperienced and unfit to drive safely.
Courts may hold the parent responsible if it is determined they were negligent in allowing their teen to drive knowing these risks (Missouri Revised Statutes).
B. Parental Financial Responsibility for Minors
In Missouri, parents must sign a teen’s license application, making them financially responsible for any damages their teen causes while driving. If a teen causes an accident, the parent could be liable for:
- Property damage
- Medical expenses for injured parties
- Legal claims from accident victims
Once the teen turns 18, parental liability typically ends unless they drive a vehicle the parents own.
When Can Parents Be Sued for a Teen Driver’s Accident?
If the Teen Was Driving a Parent-Owned Vehicle
If a teen drives a car registered in their parent’s name, the parents may be held responsible for damages caused in an accident. Missouri follows the family purpose doctrine, meaning if a car is made available for family use, the owner (parent) could be liable for the driver’s actions.
If the Parent Allowed Reckless or Illegal Driving
If a parent knowingly lets their teen drive while intoxicated, texting, or racing, they could be sued for negligence.
If the Parent Did Not Carry Proper Insurance
Missouri law requires liability insurance coverage for all drivers. If a parent fails to insure their teen driver properly, they may be financially responsible for any accident costs.
Insurance Considerations for Teen Drivers in Missouri
Adding a Teen Driver to a Parent’s Policy
Most insurance providers require parents to add teen drivers to their policy once they receive their license. Failing to do so may result in denied claims if an accident occurs.
Uninsured & Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UM/UIM)
If a teen driver is involved in an accident with an uninsured motorist, having UM/UIM coverage can help pay for medical expenses and damages. Missouri requires minimum liability insurance but does not require parents to carry UM/UIM coverage.
Increasing Liability Limits
Because teen drivers are more accident-prone, increasing liability limits can protect families from costly lawsuits if a teen causes serious injuries or property damage.
Preventing Teen Driver Accidents
Setting Clear Driving Rules
Parents should establish household driving rules, such as:
- No texting while driving (Missouri bans texting for drivers under 21 (Missouri Highway Patrol))
- No driving past curfew unless necessary
- No passengers in the car for the first six months of having a license
- No speeding or reckless driving
Using Apps & Technology to Monitor Driving
Apps like Life360, Hum by Verizon, and OnStar Guardian allow parents to monitor their teen’s driving habits in real-time.
Enrolling in a Safe Driving Course
Missouri offers defensive driving courses that can reduce insurance rates and improve driving skills.
What to Do If Your Teen Is in a Car Accident
If your teen is involved in a car accident:
- Ensure their safety – Call 911 and seek medical help if needed.
- Document the scene – Take photos of vehicle damage, road conditions, and injuries.
- Exchange insurance information – Collect details from other drivers and witnesses.
- Report the accident – Contact your insurance provider immediately.
- Consult a car accident lawyer – If the accident involves serious injuries, disputed liability, or insurance issues, an attorney can help protect your legal rights.
Contact The Hoffmann Law Firm Today
Parents in Missouri can be held legally and financially responsible for their teen’s driving behavior under specific circumstances, especially if they own the vehicle or negligently allow unsafe driving. Ensuring your teen has proper insurance coverage, follows safe driving practices, and understands Missouri driving laws can help protect your family from legal consequences.
If your teen has been involved in a car accident and you’re unsure about your liability, contact an experienced Missouri car accident attorney to discuss your legal options.
Need legal advice? Contact The Hoffmann Law Firm for a free consultation today.