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Can a Minor Be Held Liable for a Car Accident in New Mexico?
If you were injured in a car accident caused by a minor driver, you may be entitled to full compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.
PERSONAL INJURY LAWYER NEW MEXICO
Can a Minor Be Held Liable for a Car Accident in New Mexico?
When a car accident occurs, liability is often assigned to the person responsible for causing the collision. But what happens when the at-fault driver is a minor, someone under 18?
At Raymon Law Group, we understand how complex these situations can become, especially for families navigating both civil and insurance consequences. Our legal team, based in New Mexico, is here to break down the laws and explain what parents, victims, and families should know.
Understanding Teen Driver Liability in New Mexico
New Mexico law allows teens as young as 15 to begin driving with a permit, and many are behind the wheel unsupervised by 16. While these young drivers may not have years of experience, they’re still expected to follow the rules of the road. When they don’t and someone gets hurt, they can be held liable for the consequences.
Minors are subject to civil liability, meaning they can be sued for negligence just like adults. However, most lawsuits involving teen drivers also name the parents or guardians especially when financial damages are sought. That’s because in most cases, teens don’t own significant assets, and parents are the ones who hold the insurance policies or own the vehicle involved.
Parental Responsibility Under the Family Purpose Doctrine
In New Mexico, parents who provide a vehicle for family use, including for their teenager, can be held legally responsible if that teen causes an accident. This is known as the Family Purpose Doctrine, and it is a critical factor in car accident claims involving minors.
To hold a parent liable under this doctrine, the following must usually be true:
- The parent owned or controlled the vehicle.
- The vehicle was made available for general family use.
- The minor had permission to drive the car when the accident happened.
When these conditions are met, parents may be responsible for medical costs, lost income, vehicle repairs, and other damages caused by their child’s negligence.
What Happens If a Teen Driver Was Operating the Vehicle Without Permission?
There’s a crucial distinction between a teen driving with permission and one who takes a car without consent. If a parent can prove the child took the vehicle without approval, they may avoid liability under the Family Purpose Doctrine. However, that defence isn’t always straightforward.
Courts will ask tough questions like:
- Did the parent routinely let the teen use the vehicle?
- Were the car keys easily accessible?
- Was there a clear history of disapproval?
In some cases, if a parent knew the teen was reckless or had a history of unsafe driving but still allowed them access to a vehicle, they could still be on the hook. Our Auto Accident Attorneys in Albuquerque investigate every angle to determine liability and hold all negligent parties accountable.
How Car Insurance Covers Accidents Involving Minors
Most parents include their teen drivers on their auto insurance policies, either as named drivers or under a household policy. If a teen causes an accident, the family’s liability coverage is typically the first line of compensation for the injured party.
New Mexico’s minimum liability insurance requirements are:
- $25,000 for bodily injury per person
- $50,000 for bodily injury per accident
- $10,000 for property damage
Unfortunately, these limits are often far too low to cover the full extent of injuries in serious collisions. At Raymon Law Group, we regularly pursue additional compensation through:
- Umbrella policies
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage
- Third-party liability (e.g., defective vehicle components or hazardous roads)
Our Car Accident Lawyers have extensive experience negotiating with insurance companies and fighting for maximum compensation in complex cases involving minors.
Compensation Available in a Minor-Related Car Accident Claim
If you were injured due to a car accident caused by a teen driver, you have a right to pursue damages through a personal injury claim. The compensation you may be entitled to includes:
- Medical expenses (emergency care, surgery, physical therapy)
- Future medical care for long-term injuries
- Lost income due to time away from work
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Vehicle repairs or total loss replacement
If the crash resulted in a fatality, surviving family members may be eligible to pursue a Wrongful Death Lawsuit, which can include damages for:
- Funeral and burial costs
- Loss of companionship
- Loss of future income
- Emotional suffering
Our team at Raymon Law Group builds strong claims backed by expert testimony, medical records, and economic analysis to demand full compensation.
Statute of Limitations in New Mexico for Car Accident Claims
In most cases, New Mexico gives you three years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit for personal injuries. For property damage, the deadline is four years. However, special rules may apply if a minor is involved, either as the driver or the victim.
If the injured person is a minor, the statute of limitations may be paused until they turn 18. That said, waiting too long can weaken your case. Witnesses disappear, memories fade, and evidence is lost. If you’ve been injured, it’s in your best interest to contact an experienced Car Crash Attorney in Albuquerque as soon as possible.
Contact Us
If you were injured in a car accident caused by a minor driver, you may be entitled to full compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. Holding a teenager, or their parents, legally accountable can be complicated, especially when insurance companies try to minimize payouts. At Raymon Law Group, we understand how New Mexico’s laws apply in these situations and know how to build strong, evidence-backed cases that get results.
Whether the crash happened in Albuquerque or anywhere in New Mexico, our experienced Auto Accident Attorneys are here to protect your rights and fight for the justice you deserve. Call (505) 390-1040 for a free consultation today.
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Frequently Asked Questions
You Have Questions. We Have Answers.
Yes. An experienced personal injury lawyer in Santa Fe can protect your rights, deal with insurance companies, and help you recover maximum compensation for your injuries and losses.
After a crash in Santa Fe, call 911, seek medical attention, and document the scene with photos and witness info. Then, contact a Santa Fe car accident lawyer at Raymon Law Group to protect your legal rights.
In New Mexico, you typically have three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. A local Santa Fe personal injury lawyer can help ensure your claim meets all deadlines.
Yes. New Mexico follows a pure comparative negligence rule, meaning you can still recover damages, but your compensation may be reduced by your percentage of fault. A Santa Fe car accident lawyer can help minimize your liability.
Each case is unique, but compensation may include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage. Raymon Law Group works to maximize your claim based on your individual circumstances.
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Raymon Law Group’s Albuquerque personal injury lawyers are based at our main office in the heart of downtown Albuquerque at 500 Marquette Ave. NW, Ste. 1200.
We also have our Office at Santa Fe located at 150 Washington Ave, Suite 201. If you’re unable to visit us, our attorneys are happy to meet you at your home or hospital to discuss your case.
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