Waterford Teenagers and Distracted Driving – is a Parent Liable?
In 2011, 23% of auto collisions involved cellular telephones totaling 1.3 million crashes. 13% of drivers, age 18-20, who were involved in auto crashes, admitted to texting or being on mobile devices at the time of the collision. 52% of teens admit to driving while texting. With this many teens texting and driving, who is liable for the damage and injuries caused from distracted driving auto collisions?
Connecticut Parental Liability Statute
Section 52-572[1] of the Connecticut statute provides:
“The parent or parents or guardian, other than a temporary guardian appointed pursuant to section 45a-622, of any unemancipated minor or minors, which minor or minors willfully or maliciously cause damage to any property or injury to any person, or, having taken a motor vehicle without the permission of the owner thereof, cause damage to the motor vehicle, shall be jointly and severally liable with the minor or minors for the damage or injury to an amount not exceeding five thousand dollars, if the minor or minors would have been liable for the damage or injury if they had been adults”.
The statute creates liability where none existed at common law, and the liability is absolute, in the sense that no negligence need be shown to exist on the part of the parents. If the child is liable, the parents are jointly and severally liable with him.
Contact an Experienced New London Distracted Driving Attorney
If you or a family member were involved in an auto collision and the other driver was a distracted teen, it is important to speak to a Waterford distracted driving attorney to determine who is liable for your injuries and damages. At Polito & Harrington, we offer personalized and attentive service while handling your auto collision case which will be handled directly by CT & RI lawyers Humbert Polito or James Harrington. You will always be able to talk with your lawyer when you need to. We will work hard to hold people responsible for injuries caused by their carelessness.
To schedule a free consultation at Polito & Harrington to discuss your distracted driving injury claim, call 1.860.447.3300.
References
