Car accidents involving learner’s permit drivers can raise complicated legal questions in California. When the at-fault driver holds only an instruction permit, you may have questions about liability and your right to compensation. If you have been involved in a collision involving a permit driver, an experienced car accident lawyer can provide legal guidance.
Here’s what you need to know about how liability is assigned and whether an instruction permit driver can be sued after a car accident.
Understanding Instruction Permit Rules in California
California law establishes clear rules for permit drivers. An instruction permit allows an individual to practice driving under supervision before obtaining a full license. The law requires that a licensed driver supervise the permit holder at all times. For drivers under 18, the supervising driver must be at least 25 years old. Adult permit holders must be accompanied by a licensed driver at least 18 years old. This supervising driver is expected to provide guidance and be positioned to intervene if necessary.
Permit drivers in California may operate vehicles only under strict limitations. They may never drive alone and may carry passengers only under the supervision of a qualified adult.
Failure to comply with these rules may not only increase the risk of accidents but also affect insurance coverage. For example, if a learner’s permit holder drives without proper supervision and causes a crash, insurers may dispute coverage or attempt to limit compensation based on alleged policy violations.
Who Is Liable If a Permit Driver Causes a Car Accident?
Liability in a learner driver accident can extend to multiple parties. The permit driver is directly responsible for any negligent actions, such as failing to yield, running a stop sign, or making unsafe lane changes. When the permit driver is a minor, auto insurance coverage typically comes from the policy insuring the vehicle involved, which is often a parent’s or guardian’s policy.
Supervising adults may also share liability if they failed to pay attention or allowed the instruction permit holder to violate driving restrictions.
Coverage may vary based on who owns the vehicle, which insurance policy applies, and whether the permit driver violated DMV rules.
Can an Instruction Permit Driver Be Sued?
When a collision occurs, liability does not disappear simply because the driver was still learning. Instead, courts and insurers evaluate the permit driver’s conduct, the supervising adult’s role, and applicable insurance coverage to determine financial responsibility. If the instruction permit driver was negligent, they can be sued.
Because California is an at-fault state, victims can pursue compensation for various damages from the negligent party. Although minors or young drivers may have limited personal assets, claims are typically pursued through applicable insurance policies. Sometimes, supervising adults can also be included in the lawsuit.
How Demas Law Group Can Help
If you suffered injuries in a crash caused by a permit holder in California, you could be entitled to compensation. For over 30 years, Demas Law Group has provided effective legal representation to car accident victims. Our attorneys will examine all relevant details of your case, including the permit driver’s status, the actions of the supervising driver, vehicle ownership, and all available insurance coverage. Then we’ll build a robust claim seeking maximum compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and related damages.
Call or contact us today to arrange a free consultation.
