Led by Preston Rezaee, Esq., The Firm is a premier personal injury law practice in Las Vegas, dedicated to delivering justice for accident victims. With a reputation for relentless advocacy and client-focused representation, The Firm ensures injured individuals receive the compensation they deserve.
Accidents caused by minors can present unique challenges in personal injury cases. Many victims are unsure who is liable when someone under 18 causes an accident, and insurance companies often use the minor’s age as a reason to delay or reduce compensation. In Nevada, the law recognizes that minors can be held accountable, but liability often extends to their parents, guardians, or other responsible parties, making these cases more complex than standard personal injury claims.
Legal Responsibility of Minors in Nevada
In general, minors are considered capable of committing negligent acts, but they cannot be sued in the same way as adults. Instead, Nevada law often holds parents or legal guardians responsible for the actions of their children under certain circumstances. This liability is sometimes referred to as vicarious liability.
For example:
- A 16-year-old causes a car accident while driving.
- The minor is too young to be financially responsible for damages.
- The parents’ insurance coverage and potential negligence (e.g., permitting an unlicensed or inexperienced driver) become central to the claim.
This system ensures that victims have a viable path to compensation even when the at-fault party is a minor.
Common Scenarios Involving Minors
Accidents caused by minors can occur in various situations, including:
- Automobile Accidents: Minors operating vehicles without proper supervision or engaging in reckless driving.
- Bicycle or Skateboard Accidents: Children riding on streets or public spaces where they collide with pedestrians or vehicles.
- Slip-and-Fall Incidents: Accidents caused by minors running or engaging in rough play in public areas or on private property.
- Sports Injuries: Reckless behavior during organized or informal sporting activities resulting in injuries to others.
Each scenario requires careful investigation to determine both the minor’s role and any potential liability of parents, schools, or other supervising adults.
Insurance Considerations
When a minor causes an accident, insurance plays a critical role:
- Parental Auto Insurance: In Nevada, parents’ auto policies often cover damages caused by teenage drivers.
- Homeowners or Liability Policies: Accidents occurring on private property, such as a slip-and-fall, may be covered under a family’s liability policy.
- Umbrella Coverage: In cases where damages exceed basic policy limits, umbrella insurance may apply.
Insurance companies may attempt to limit payouts by arguing that the minor’s actions were “unforeseeable” or that the parents were not negligent. Experienced legal guidance is essential to navigate these defenses.
Factors That Influence Liability
Several factors determine whether a minor’s parents or guardians are liable:
- Age and maturity of the child: Courts consider whether the child could reasonably understand the consequences of their actions.
- Supervision: Whether the parents or guardians took reasonable steps to supervise and prevent risky behavior.
- Prior warnings: If the child had a history of dangerous behavior that the guardians ignored.
- Property conditions: In slip-and-fall cases, whether the property owner provided adequate safety measures.
Understanding these factors helps attorneys determine the best legal strategy for the victim.
Steps for Victims to Protect Their Rights
If you are injured by a minor, consider the following:
- Seek Immediate Medical Care: Document injuries thoroughly.
- Report the Incident: Notify law enforcement if applicable, and obtain a police report.
- Collect Evidence: Gather photos, video footage, and witness statements.
- Identify Insurance Policies: Determine if the parents’ or guardians’ policies cover the accident.
- Contact a Personal Injury Attorney: The Firm specializes in these complex cases, ensuring that victims’ rights are protected.
Prompt action ensures that evidence is preserved, liability is properly assessed, and insurance claims are filed correctly.
Why Cases Involving Minors Are Complex
Accidents involving minors often involve multiple parties, including:
- The minor who caused the accident
- Parents or guardians
- Insurance companies
- Schools, recreational facilities, or public entities (in some cases)
Navigating liability, damages, and insurance coverage requires expertise to ensure the victim receives full compensation.
How The Firm Assists Victims
Preston Rezaee, Esq., and The Firm provide comprehensive support for accidents involving minors:
- Investigating the accident and identifying all liable parties
- Reviewing and filing insurance claims
- Preserving evidence and witness testimony
- Negotiating with insurance companies or litigating in court if necessary
- Advocating for full compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and long-term impacts
The Firm ensures victims are not left struggling because the at-fault party is a minor.
Accidents involving minors require careful legal analysis to determine liability and recover compensation. Nevada law recognizes that parents or guardians may be responsible for their child’s actions, providing victims a path to justice. With experienced representation from The Firm, victims can navigate these complicated cases and secure the compensation they deserve.
The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and is
not intended to constitute legal advice. The content is based on the author’s
understanding of the subject matter at the time of writing and is not tailored to the
specific circumstances of any individual or entity.
Nothing in this article should be construed as creating an attorney-client relationship or
as a substitute for seeking legal advice from a licensed attorney. Legal matters can be
complex and vary greatly depending on the jurisdiction and the specifics of the case.
Therefore, we strongly encourage readers to consult with qualified legal counsel for
advice regarding their individual circumstances.
The author and publisher of this article assume no responsibility for any errors or
omissions in the content or for any actions taken based on the information provided
herein. The reader assumes full responsibility for any use or reliance on the information
contained in this article.
By using this article, the reader agrees that they will not hold the author or publisher
liable for any outcomes resulting from their use of the information presented.
For specific legal advice, readers are urged to contact a licensed attorney in their
Jurisdiction.