Your Teen Wasn’t at Fault in a Car Accident—What You Need To Know

What to Do If Your Teen Wrecks the Family Car—And It’s Not Their Fault

Your teenager just got their license. You’ve coached them through the basics, made them promise to be extra careful, and reminded them (more than once) to keep their phone out of reach. Then, the call comes. There's been an accident. 

It’s a nightmare scenario for any parent, but before you let panic set in, take a deep breath. If the accident wasn’t your teen’s fault, our car accident lawyer lists the steps you can take to protect them—and yourself—legally and financially. 

Who’s Responsible for the Damage? 

In most car accidents, the person who caused the crash is responsible for covering damages. That means if another driver hits your teen, their insurance should pay for the repairs, medical bills, and other costs. But here’s where things can get tricky. 

Insurance companies don’t like to pay out if they can avoid it. Even if the fault seems obvious, you might face pushback, delays, or even an attempt to shift some blame onto your teen. That’s why gathering the right information at the scene is so important. 

What to Do Immediately After A Car Accident 

If your teen calls you from the scene, remind them to: 

• Check for injuries – Safety first. If anyone is hurt, call 911 right away. 

• Call the police – A police report can be invaluable when proving fault. Make sure they provide an accurate account of what happened. 

• Take photos and videos – Have them capture the damage, the surrounding area, any skid marks, and the other car’s license plate. 

• Exchange information – Get the other driver’s name, insurance details, and contact info. If there are witnesses, encourage your teen to get their names and numbers, too. 

• Stay calm – This one’s easier said than done but essential. They should avoid admitting fault. Even a comment like “I didn’t even see them coming!” can be twisted into an admission of guilt. 

Will I Be Held Liable For Damages?

Parents often worry that they’ll be financially responsible for their teen’s accident, even if they weren’t at fault. The good news? In most cases, you won’t be. 

Indiana follows at-fault insurance laws, meaning the driver who caused the accident is responsible for the damages. If your teen was following the rules and someone else hit them, that person (and their insurance) should be held accountable. 

That said, there are exceptions. If your teen was driving recklessly or violating a traffic law, the other driver’s insurance company might argue for shared fault under Indiana’s comparative negligence rules. This could reduce the amount of compensation your family receives—or even leave you responsible for a portion of the costs. 

How to Handle the Insurance Claim After the Accident 

Even when your teen isn’t at fault, dealing with insurance companies can be frustrating. Here’s what you need to know: 

• Call your insurance company – Even though the other driver’s insurance should pay, you still need to report the accident to your own provider. 

• Be cautious with statements – If the other driver’s insurance company contacts you or your teen, avoid giving recorded statements without legal guidance. 

• Don’t accept the first offer – Insurance companies often try to settle quickly for less than you deserve. 

If the process becomes overwhelming or the other driver’s insurance refuses to pay, it may be time to bring in a personal injury attorney to protect your teen’s rights. 

When to Call an Attorney After A Car Accident 

Not every accident requires legal action, but if your teen has been injured or the insurance companies are giving you the runaround, it’s worth speaking with a lawyer. Here’s when to consider making the call: 

• The other driver’s insurance denies responsibility. 

• Your teen has medical bills that need to be covered. 

• The settlement offer doesn’t fully cover vehicle damage or injuries. 

• There’s a dispute over who was at fault. 

At Keller & Keller, we’ve spent decades helping families like yours navigate the aftermath of car accidents. When insurance companies try to minimize payouts, we push back. When families feel overwhelmed by the legal process, we take the burden off their shoulders. 

If your teen has been in an accident that wasn’t their fault, don’t let the insurance companies dictate what happens next. Call us today or click here for a free consultation, and let’s ensure your family gets the support and compensation you deserve.