Teens are more likely to engage in reckless, dangerous behavior behind the wheel. This might include driving while intoxicated, texting and driving, street racing, and much more. If you were injured by one of these reckless teen drivers in Georgia, you might want to pursue justice, accountability, and compensation. But what if the teen in question lacks any assets to cover medical expenses, missed wages, and other damages? Is it possible to hold the parents accountable for the actions of their teen drivers?
Georgia Parents Accused of Creating “Party House” for Their Teens
In December of 2024, authorities in Georgia announced a new development in their investigation of a crash almost one year ago. This crash claimed the life of a high school student, and it also injured two other victims. The victim was just 18 years old when she lost her life, and she was sitting in the passenger seat of a vehicle when another teen driver crashed. The third victim was sitting in the backseat, and she suffered serious injuries in the collision.
The vehicle reached a speed of almost 100 miles per hour when the teen driver lost control. The vehicle then flipped over, and the two survivors were able to crawl out without assistance. However, the teen who lost her life remained trapped inside with critical injuries – and she did not receive treatment until first responders arrived on the scene. She died a few hours later.
The driver of the teen was arrested and charged with numerous offenses in connection to the car crash in Georgia. However, investigators eventually found new evidence that implied the parents of the child in the back seat allowed the group to drink at their residence before the accident. There seems to be footage or testimony that establishes the teens were drinking a bottle of wine before getting into the vehicle. The parents may have been in the same room while this underage drinking occurred. Investigators allege that the children then told the parents that they were going for a drive and that the parents allowed them to leave the premises with an open bottle of wine.
Finally, they allege that the residence in question was one where teens frequently drank, and it had a reputation for being a “party house” in the neighborhood. Authorities say that hundreds of other minors may have consumed alcohol at the house before driving away intoxicated.
Parents Must Be Aware of Teen Misconduct to Become Liable
Generally speaking, parents cannot be held liable for the actions of their teens if they are unaware of the conduct. A classic example is a teen driver who steals their parents’ car before going on a joyride. If the teen took the vehicle without the permission of knowledge of their parents, they may become solely liable for any injuries or crimes that occur. This also applies to drinking, and a parent may escape liability if they claim they were unaware of their child’s intoxication.
However, the recent case in Georgia shows that parents can be held accountable for the conduct of their teens. This may allow injured victims to pursue more compensation for their damages, including funeral expenses, medical costs, and much more.