In some accident cases, a personal injury claim may be brought against a minor who is claimed to have been at fault. Such cases can be complicated, and the laws concerning the liability of minors vary from state to state. In Texas, minors are generally liable for their own torts; moreover, parents may be liable for their children’s acts in some cases.Generally, a person is not required to control the acts of another person. Yet, in the case of parents and their children, a parent may be liable if the parent negligently allows the child to act in a way that is likely to harm another person. A parent may also be liable if he or she gives the child a weapon or other dangerous instrumentality, or if the parent fails to control a child who is dangerous to others.
Parents are generally required to exercise reasonable care in controlling minor children to prevent them from creating an unreasonable risk of harm to others or from intentionally harming others. Some states have laws that provide that parents are liable for the damages caused by minor children while driving vehicles for family purposes. Texas does not follow that rule, but parents may still be held responsible in some circumstances.
Fourteen-Year-Old Charged After Death of Two Teenagers in Apparent Street-Racing Crash
A recent street-racing accident in Houston resulted in the deaths of two teenagers. Another teenager, who was 14 years old, survived the crash. The survivor is now facing two felony charges, according to one news source. He is being charged with failing to stop and render aid, and with racing causing death.
A police officer reportedly saw two cars driving alongside each other at high rates of speed at around 1:50 a.m. One of the vehicles was a Ford Expedition, and the other was a Ford Explorer. According to police, the drivers lost control of the vehicles and crashed into each other. The Explorer crashed into a tree and turned over, and the driver and the passenger inside died at the scene. The Expedition reportedly hit a sign, and the driver then stopped, looked in the direction of the other car, and then drove away. The police officer who saw the cars was not able to get to them before they crashed.
One of the fathers was told by another person that the drivers had been racing before the crash. Another person reportedly said that one of the teens had just learned how to drive.
Contact a San Antonio Injury Attorney
If you have been injured in an accident involving a minor, you may be able to recover compensation from the minor and from the minor’s parents. The Texas car wreck law firm of Carabin Shaw was founded 25 years ago to fight for the rights of accident victims. We aggressively represent individuals across Texas who have suffered catastrophic injuries and wrongful deaths. With over 200 years of combined experience in personal injury law, we are ready to help clients find solutions to the multiple challenges that arise after a serious accident. Call us at 1-800-862-1260 or use our online form to schedule a free consultation.
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