If you were hurt in a wreck involving a student driver, you might be unsure who’s legally responsible or how insurance will handle the situation. These types of wrecks can be complicated, especially when the driver is underage or learning behind the wheel for the first time.
An experienced Knoxville car accident lawyer can help you take the next step by identifying who may be at fault and explaining how Tennessee law applies to your situation. Here’s what to know after a student driver wreck in Knoxville.
What happens if a student driver crashes during a lesson?
Student driver wrecks happen more often than many people think. While the driver is still learning, that doesn’t always mean they’re the only one to blame.
Driver’s ed cars are often equipped with dual control systems. This means the instructor has access to their own brake pedal and can step in if the student makes a mistake. If the instructor wasn’t paying attention or didn’t react in time, they may also share responsibility for the wreck.
After any collision, it’s important to call the police and document the scene. Photos, witness names, and insurance details can all be useful later. Then, talk with a Knoxville car accident attorney who can help you understand your legal options and who may be held responsible.
Who may be responsible for a student driver wreck?
Several parties may be liable after a wreck involving a student driver. It all depends on what happened, where it happened, and who had control over the situation.
The student driver
Even if they’re still learning, student drivers are expected to follow the rules of the road. If a student driver was speeding, ignoring signs, or driving carelessly, they may be held responsible for the wreck.
Tennessee law doesn’t excuse unsafe driving just because someone is underage or has a learner’s permit. If their actions caused the wreck, they may be considered legally negligent.
The student driver’s parents
If the student driver is a minor, their parents may also be held responsible under a legal theory called negligent entrustment. This applies when parents allow their child to drive, even though they know, or should reasonably know, that their child isn’t ready to drive safely.
According to negligent entrustment laws under Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-10-311(a), parents can be held accountable for student drivers if they should have known or knew their child was a threat to other drivers on the roadways. In these situations, you may be able to pursue compensation through the parents’ insurance policy.
The driving instructor
Driving instructors play a big role in preventing wrecks. If the car was equipped with dual controls, the instructor should have used them to stop the wreck from happening. Instructors are trained to recognize dangerous situations, and if they fail to act, they may be partially or fully responsible.
The driving school
Driving schools are responsible for training instructors, maintaining safe vehicles, and ensuring students are taught properly. If a wreck happens during a lesson with an instructor, the school may be held accountable.
In some cases, the school may also be liable for poor hiring practices or lack of vehicle maintenance that contributed to the wreck.
Why it’s important to contact a lawyer after a student driver wreck
After a wreck involving a student driver, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Who’s at fault? Who covers your medical bills or lost wages? These cases can be complicated, with potential liability extending beyond the student to the instructor, driving school, or even the student’s parents. Each may have different insurance coverage, making it risky to handle the claim on your own, especially when insurers work hard to reduce payouts.
Here’s why contacting a car accident lawyer at Hotz & Associates can help:
- We identify all potentially liable parties, not just the student driver.
- We gather and preserve key evidence early, such as instructor logs, school policies, and insurance details.
- We handle communication with insurers so they can’t twist your words or pressure you into a lowball offer.
- We help calculate the full value of your losses, including pain and suffering, medical bills, and future care costs.
- We don’t get paid unless we win for you.
Once you’re safe and stable, your next step should be calling a lawyer. Our legal team will step in to protect your rights and make sure no detail gets missed.
Talk to a Knoxville car accident lawyer today
Wrecks involving student drivers can quickly become complicated. Multiple people or businesses may share responsibility, and it’s not always clear who should pay for your injuries and damages.
At Hotz & Associates, P.C., we’ll take the time to listen to your story and help you understand your legal options. We know this process can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to go through it alone.
Call us today at (865) 582-0042 or contact us online to schedule your free consultation.