The Power of Justice
Teen Driver Car Accidents
Teen drivers bring energy, enthusiasm, and a sense of independence to the road, but they also face unique risks. Their inexperience and developing judgment often translate to higher crash rates, especially during their first few years behind the wheel. At Cook Bradford & Levy, led by attorneys Jason Levy and Brian Bradford, we’ve represented families affected by teen driver accidents across Colorado. These cases require both legal precision and compassion. Our team has earned meaningful results for clients in Boulder County and throughout the Front Range by combining deep legal understanding with thorough investigation and strategic advocacy.
Why Teen Crashes Happen and Why They’re Legally Different
Teen drivers are statistically more likely to be involved in collisions caused by inexperience, distraction, speeding, and nighttime driving. Colorado’s Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) system was created to address these risks. It imposes restrictions on young drivers such as limits on passengers and nighttime driving to help them gain experience safely. Since its adoption, fatal crashes involving drivers aged 16 to 17 have dropped significantly statewide.
When a teen driver violates a GDL restriction, that violation can become powerful evidence of negligence in a personal injury claim. These restrictions are designed to keep the public safe, and breaking them can establish that the young driver failed to use reasonable care.
Another distinction in teen driver cases lies in who can be held responsible. Under Colorado law, parents or other adults who sign a minor’s driver’s license application may share liability for damages caused by the teen. Additionally, if a parent or vehicle owner allows an unfit or inexperienced teen to drive, they may be held accountable for negligent entrustment.
Who Can Be Held Liable After a Teen Driver Crash
The Teen Driver
Like any motorist, a teen driver must operate their vehicle with reasonable care. If they fail to do so by speeding, texting, running a light, or ignoring GDL restrictions they can be held liable for resulting injuries and damages. In court, the teen is held to the same standard of care as an adult driver.
The Adult Who Signed the License Affidavit
Colorado requires that a parent or legal guardian sign an Affidavit of Liability for a driver under 18. By signing, that adult agrees to accept legal responsibility for injuries or damages the minor causes while driving. This document isn’t merely administrative it carries serious legal consequences. If the teen causes a crash and lacks adequate insurance, the adult who signed the affidavit may also be financially responsible.
Negligent Entrustment of a Vehicle
Negligent entrustment occurs when a vehicle owner allows someone to drive despite knowing or having reason to know that the person is incompetent, inexperienced, or unfit to drive. Colorado courts have recognized this claim in several key cases, including Hasegawa v. Day, where the Court of Appeals confirmed that entrusting a vehicle to an unfit driver creates independent liability for the owner.
For example, if a parent knows their teen has a history of reckless driving, traffic violations, or substance use but still provides access to a vehicle, that parent may be liable for negligent entrustment. This doctrine emphasizes personal accountability for the decision to loan a car, not just the conduct of the driver.
The Family Car Doctrine
Under the family car doctrine, a vehicle owner may be liable for a family member’s negligent driving if the vehicle is maintained for general family use. Courts have held that when a parent provides a car for a teen’s everyday transportation, the parent effectively gives permission for its use and can share in the legal responsibility for any resulting harm. This doctrine often overlaps with negligent entrustment but focuses more on control and ownership of the vehicle.
How Cook Bradford & Levy Builds a Teen Driver Case
Rapid Investigation
Evidence can fade quickly after an accident, which is why our firm acts without delay to secure and analyze every critical piece of information. Tire marks can disappear within hours, vehicle data can be overwritten, and witness memories may change over time. We immediately obtain and review police reports and accident diagrams to establish the official version of events, analyze vehicle black box and telematics data to reconstruct speed and braking behavior, and collect phone records or digital evidence that may reveal distraction at the time of the crash. We also locate and interview witnesses while their recollections are still fresh and seek out surveillance footage from nearby homes or businesses that might have captured the collision or the moments leading up to it.
When GDL restrictions are potentially violated such as driving after curfew or carrying unauthorized passengers we gather every available piece of evidence to demonstrate the rule violation and how it contributed to the crash.
Liability Mapping and Case Strategy
Teen driver cases often involve multiple parties and insurance policies. Our attorneys methodically identify all potential sources of recovery, including: The teen driver’s personal policy; A parent’s or household policy; Umbrella or excess coverage; or, Liability from the adult signer of the license affidavit.
We also pursue negligent entrustment claims when the facts support them, using Colorado case law to show how entrusting an unfit driver with a vehicle constitutes negligence in itself.
Documenting the Full Extent of Damages
At Cook Bradford & Levy, we don’t treat injuries as just numbers on a page. We work closely with doctors, therapists, and vocational experts to capture the entire impact of a crash physical, emotional, and financial. This includes: Medical expenses and future care costs; Lost income or diminished earning capacity; Emotional distress and reduced quality of life; and Cognitive or neurological deficits from traumatic brain injuries.
For teens, concussions and mild traumatic brain injuries (mTBI) can have particularly disruptive effects on learning, concentration, and emotional regulation. We make sure juries and insurers understand the full human cost of these injuries.
A Team with Local Roots and Proven Results
Cook Bradford & Levy has served injured individuals throughout Boulder County and across Colorado for years. Led by Jason Levy and Brian Bradford, our firm has earned a reputation for professionalism, integrity, and results. We bring a deep understanding of local road conditions, law enforcement practices, and regional court systems insight that often proves invaluable when preparing a case for trial.
Key Colorado Rules for Parents and Teen Drivers
Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL)
Colorado’s GDL laws limit the number of passengers a teen can carry, restrict driving between midnight and 5 a.m., and prohibit cell phone use while driving. These laws are designed to reduce distractions and give young drivers time to develop safe driving habits. Violating these restrictions not only risks fines and license suspension but can also serve as evidence of negligence in civil court.
The Affidavit of Liability
Parents who sign the Affidavit of Liability (Form DR 2460) when helping their teen obtain a driver’s license agree to share financial responsibility for accidents their teen causes. This form remains in effect until the teen turns 18, at which point the adult can file a Withdrawal of Liability to end responsibility. However, if a crash occurs before that date, the signer may still be held accountable.
Negligent Entrustment Explained
Negligent entrustment cases hinge on what the parent or owner knew or should have known about the driver’s fitness. If a parent is aware of repeated reckless behavior, driving without a license, or a history of drug or alcohol use, allowing that teen to drive can constitute negligence. These cases often turn on evidence of prior incidents, text messages, and testimony about the parent’s knowledge and control over the vehicle.
Common Insurance Issues in Teen Driver Claims
Policy Limits and Stacking
Teen drivers often have low policy limits, leaving injury victims undercompensated. Our attorneys explore all available coverage, including parents’ policies, umbrella policies, and any applicable household coverage. Colorado allows “stacking” of uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage in some situations, which can increase available compensation.
Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage
If you’re injured by a teen driver who lacks sufficient insurance, your own UM/UIM coverage can step in. These benefits can cover medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering. However, insurers often resist paying full value on these claims, so early legal involvement is essential.
Medical Payments (MedPay) and Subrogation
Colorado requires insurance companies to offer MedPay, which covers immediate medical expenses regardless of fault. While MedPay is helpful, health insurers may later seek reimbursement (subrogation) from your settlement. We address these claims early to ensure your recovery isn’t unfairly reduced.
Valuing Brain and Neurological Injuries
Teen driver crashes often result in concussions and post-concussive symptoms. These injuries can impair memory, focus, and mood. Because the adolescent brain is still developing, recovery can take longer and outcomes can vary. Our firm partners with neurologists and neuropsychologists to present the full scope of these injuries.
What to Do After a Crash with a Teen Driver
- Call 911 immediately and seek medical attention, even if injuries seem minor.
- Exchange information with all drivers and witnesses.
- Document the scene with photos of damage, skid marks, and vehicle positions.
- Avoid arguments or admissions of fault at the scene.
- Request a copy of the police report and note the officer’s name and case number.
- Avoid posting on social media about the crash.
- Contact a qualified attorney as soon as possible to preserve evidence and protect your rights.
Quick legal action can prevent critical evidence from being lost. For example, phone records and vehicle data may only be stored for a limited time, and witnesses’ recollections can fade within weeks.
How We Prove Fault in Teen Driver Cases
Our attorneys build cases that tell a clear, factual story supported by credible evidence. For instance, if a minor drove after curfew with multiple passengers, or if phone records show texting moments before a collision, we use this data to demonstrate negligence.
We also examine parental conduct. If a parent ignored known red flags such as prior crashes or repeated unsafe behavior and still allowed the teen to drive, we may pursue negligent entrustment claims. Every allegation we make is supported by documented proof and presented with professionalism.
Resolving Teen Driver Cases
Most teen driver cases settle before trial once insurers recognize the strength of the evidence and the seriousness of the injuries. However, if an insurer refuses to offer fair compensation, we are fully prepared to take the case to court. Our approach is simple: prepare every case as if it will go to trial. This preparation not only improves outcomes but also ensures our clients are ready for every possibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Parents Always Liable When Their Teen Causes a Crash?
Not always. Liability depends on the specific facts. A parent who signed the Affidavit of Liability may be responsible under that statute, while a negligent entrustment claim requires proof that the parent knowingly allowed an unfit teen to drive. The family car doctrine can also apply if the vehicle was maintained for family use. Each case must be evaluated individually.
What If the Teen Violated GDL Restrictions?
Violating GDL rules such as driving past curfew or carrying underage passengers can serve as strong evidence of negligence. Such violations may also invalidate insurance coverage under certain policies, depending on their terms.
The Teen’s Insurance Limits Are Low. Can We Pursue Other Coverage?
Yes. We often pursue coverage under the parent’s or household policy, umbrella policies, or uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage to ensure full compensation.
Does a Negligent Entrustment Claim Punish Parents?
No. Negligent entrustment isn’t about punishment it’s about accountability. It ensures that those who knowingly enable unsafe driving behavior share responsibility for the consequences.
How Soon Should We Contact a Lawyer?
Immediately. The sooner an attorney is involved, the better the chances of preserving key evidence and identifying all responsible parties. Prompt action also prevents insurers from taking advantage of victims early in the process.
Why Choose Cook Bradford & Levy
Our attorneys understand that teen driver accidents can be emotionally complex. These cases often involve families, classmates, or community members. We approach each case with empathy, discretion, and dedication. Cook Bradford & Levy has a long record of success in motor vehicle accident cases throughout Colorado, combining aggressive representation with the sensitivity these situations demand.
Jason Levy and Brian Bradford have built their practice on a simple philosophy: thorough preparation, honest communication, and unwavering advocacy. We handle every aspect of your case from investigation to negotiation and, if necessary, trial so you can focus on recovery.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a crash involving a teen driver, call Cook Bradford & Levy for a free consultation. We’ll listen carefully, explain your options clearly, and fight tirelessly for the compensation you deserve.
Driving is both a privilege and a responsibility. Colorado’s laws are designed to protect new drivers as they gain experience and to protect the public from preventable harm. When a teen driver accident occurs, the legal path can seem overwhelming but you don’t have to navigate it alone. The attorneys at Cook Bradford & Levy will guide you through every step with compassion and resolve, ensuring accountability and helping you move forward with confidence.