What Happens if a Teen Driver Causes a Car Accident in Colorado?

 Posted on August 12, 2026 in Car Accident

Teen drivers tend to have less experience behind the wheel, which can increase the risk of teen car crashes. If a teen driver causes a car accident in Colorado, the injured person may be able to seek compensation from more than one source. Liability could fall on the teen, an adult who signed the teen's driving application, or another responsible party.

Teen crashes are a serious problem in Colorado, with the number of passengers and drivers killed going up in the last decade. If you were injured by a young driver, a Fort Collins, CO car accident attorney can help determine who is responsible.

Why Do Teen Drivers Have a Higher Risk of Crashing?

Young drivers tend to have less experience spotting dangers and reacting to sudden changes on the road. That lack of experience can become more dangerous when speeding or distractions are involved.

According to the Colorado Department of Transportation's teen crash data, the top factors in teen driving crashes included distracted driving, speeding, lane violations, and following too closely. CDOT also reported that 86 people ages 15 to 20 died on Colorado roads that year, which was a 91 percent increase in deaths among this age group compared with 2015.

Teen drivers must follow the same basic traffic rules as other drivers, and their age does not excuse careless driving or prevent an injured person from seeking compensation. 

Who May Be Liable When a Teen Driver Causes a Crash in Colorado?

Liability can extend beyond the teen who was driving. Colorado law requires most people under 18 who apply for an instruction permit or minor driver's license to have a responsible adult sign an affidavit of liability.

Under C.R.S. § 42-2-108, negligence or willful misconduct by a driver under 18 is generally imputed to the person who signed that affidavit. In plain terms, the adult who signed may be held legally responsible along with the teen for damages caused by the teen's driving. However, the law contains exceptions. 

This rule can give an injured person another possible source of compensation. An attorney can review the teen's license information, insurance policies, and other records to find out who may be responsible.

Can a Teen Driver's Parents Be Held Responsible for an Accident in Colorado?

Colorado's family car doctrine may also make a parent or another head of household responsible in some crashes. However, being the driver's parent does not automatically create liability. 

The doctrine applies when the driver is a member of the household and the head of household controls the vehicle's use. The teen must also have express or implied permission to drive it. A person can have control over the vehicle even if that person does not own it.

For example, a parent who controls when and how a family car is used may be responsible if the teen had permission to drive it and caused a crash. This rule gives an injured person a possible claim against the head of household, not only the teen driver.

The family car doctrine is separate from the affidavit rule for drivers under 18, and in some cases, one or both rules may affect a claim. This is one reason it is important to look beyond the teen driver when investigating who is liable. 

What Compensation Can You Recover After a Teen Driver Accident in Colorado?

A crash caused by a Colorado teen driver can lead to the same serious losses as any other car accident. You may seek compensation for these financial losses as well as the pain and suffering caused by your injuries. 

For example, if you’re suffering from injuries that keep you out of work for a period of time, your claim could include the cost of your treatment and the income you lost while recovering. If you need more medical care in the future, those costs may also be part of the claim. 

The amount available will depend in part on the extent of your injuries and the insurance coverage available. Identifying every possible source of coverage can be especially important when a young driver caused the crash.

How Long Do You Have to File a Claim in Colorado After a Teen Driver Accident?

According to C.R.S. § 13-80-101(1)(n), Colorado generally gives an injured person three years to file a lawsuit for bodily injury or property damage arising from the use or operation of a motor vehicle. 

Waiting too long can still make a claim harder to prove, so it’s important to start the process as soon as possible. Starting an investigation early can also help determine who signed the teen's driving paperwork and which insurance policies may apply.

Contact a Larimer County, CO Car Accident Attorney for a Free Consultation

If you were injured in a crash caused by a teen driver, Hoggatt Law Office, P.C. can investigate who may be responsible and explain your options for seeking compensation. Attorney Hoggatt is a member of the Colorado Trial Lawyers Association and the Workers' Compensation Education Association. Call 970-225-2190 today for a free consultation with a Fort Collins, CO personal injury lawyer.

Se habla español