Can Parents in Brooklyn Sue Drivers for Killing Teen Passengers?
In early 2024, a man was arrested after crashing his car into an oil truck in the Bronx. The accident killed a teenager and a 21-year-old passenger while leaving a third teen passenger in critical condition. Police later determined that the man was driving a vehicle with a stolen engine, and he was charged with manslaughter, child endangerment, and other offenses. If your child was injured as a passenger in a similar crash, you might be wondering about legal action. Can you sue for a teen passenger crash in Brooklyn?
When Can You Sue a Driver for Injuries to a Teen?
You can sue a driver for causing injuries to your teen through their negligent behavior. There are various examples of negligence to consider in New York, including:
- Intoxication
- Speeding
- Distraction
- Failure to yield
- Improper merging
- Failure to indicate
- Running red lights
As long as you can prove that the driver engaged in negligent behavior before the crash, you can sue them on behalf of your teen. Note that minors cannot file lawsuits on their own in New York, so you will likely need to file a personal injury lawsuit for them.
Should I File a No-Fault Claim if My Teen Was Injured as a Passenger?
You might be considering a no-fault claim if your teen was injured in a New York car accident. This could be a positive choice if your teen suffered a relatively minor injury. In addition, it might be the most appropriate course of action if the driver is uninsured or underinsured.
Note that many teens drive stolen vehicles. They may also drive their parents’ cars without permission. Teens generally lack assets, making it difficult to sue them directly to cover your family’s various damages. These are all factors you may need to consider as you pursue justice and compensation.
Filing a Wrongful Death Lawsuit After a Teen Passenger Fatality
If your teen lost their life while riding as a passenger in Brooklyn, you may be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit. If the driver lacks sufficient assets to cover your damages and is uninsured, you might have the opportunity to sue their parents – but only if they knowingly let the driver borrow their vehicle.
Key Takeaways
- Drivers in New York are legally responsible for the safety of their passengers
- Parents can sue if their minors become injured while riding as passengers
- Fatal passenger injuries may lead to wrongful death lawsuits
Take Action with Cohan Law, PLLC
Negligent drivers must be held accountable for the injuries they cause to passengers – especially if the victims are young teens. If your teen was injured in a crash caused by a reckless driver, you may have the right to sue. The same logic applies to fatal crashes. To learn more about your legal options, book a consultation with Cohan Law, PLLC today. Our experienced New York personal injury lawyer can help.
Sources:
connecticut.news12.com/police-arrest-driver-in-bronx-crash-that-killed-brooklyn-man-rockland-county-teen
nyc.gov/site/tlc/passengers/seat-belt-law.page
