Who Can Be in the Car with a Permit Driver in California?

According to California Law, a person with a learner’s permit must be accompanied by a licensed driver who is a parent, guardian, or an adult 25 years of age or older. In addition, the licensed driver must sit in the front passenger seat and be able to take control of the vehicle if the permit driver presents a risk to others on the road.

What is Considered a Permit in California?

A learner’s permit, or instruction permit, in California is available for teenagers who are at least 15 ½ years of age and have completed a driver’s education course. After receiving the permit, new drivers need to practice driving under the supervision of a licensed adult who meets the guidelines listed above. The learner’s permit represents the first step toward obtaining a full license, and is a required step all young drivers must follow in order to ensure their safety and the safety of others on the road. It is important to note that the state of California allows drivers who 17 ½ to obtain a learner’s permit without taking driver’s education classes or driver training.

Penalties for Driving Alone with a Permit:

Driving alone with a California learner’s permit is considered a misdemeanor and can result in fines, as well as harsher penalties, depending on the severity of the violation. Other potential penalties include:

• Vehicle impoundment: your vehicle can be ruled to be impounded; impoundments can last up to 30 days
• License suspension: your driving privilege can be suspended and you may have to wait longer to get your full license
• Criminal charges: you can be charged with the crime of driving without a license, which can result in an arrest
• Mandatory traffic school: if ordered by the judge, you may face mandatory traffic school in order to reinstate your driving privilege

What Do You Do if You Get Into an Accident with a Driver Who Has a Permit?

If you find yourself in the unfortunate situation of getting into an accident with a permit driver, then you would apply the same rules as you would with any other crash. It is important to note that if the teen was at fault for the accident, their parents’ insurance would be responsible for covering their damages. Insurance companies may make it difficult by denying the claim when a minor is involved, which is why we recommend consulting with one of our Car Accident Attorneys at Maison Law before trying to settle with the insurance company. Our firm will protect your right to compensation and ensure you recover the following damages:

• Special Damages: medical bills, ongoing treatment, costs that accumulate when you’re unable to work, like rent or mortgage payments
• General Damages: these are non-economic hardships like pain and suffering, anxiety, depression, mental trauma
• Wrongful Death Damages: these damages may be sought by a spouse or close relative for funeral arrangements, burial expenses, and medical treatment before a loved one’s death
• Punitive Damages: these damages are rare, but if the driver engaged in reckless driving, or with the intention of hurting you, then you could sue for punitive damages

Steps You Should Take After a Car Accident with a Permit Driver

Any car accident, even one with a permit driver, can be life-altering, which is why it is important to make sure you take the necessary steps to get your life back on track. At Maison Law, we can handle your case for you, so you don’t have to worry about being taken advantage of by the insurance company or missing out on compensation you may need for current and future medical procedures. We recommend taking the following steps to ensure you have a strong case:

• Collect Medical Records: Even if your injuries seem minor, they can manifest into something much worse weeks later. So, it is recommended to check in with a doctor and get a record of your injury. An MRI or an X-ray can reveal substantial damage that you might not be aware of. These documents will be essential to building a strong case.
• Get a Police Report: Failing to alert the police does not help your case, especially if the case comes down to your word over the person responsible for your injuries. A police officer will file an accident report and may even assign blame based on their assessment. A police report is critical evidence in any claim and will play a key role in ensuring you are fully compensated.
• Gather Evidence: You should document the accident as thoroughly as possible. Take pictures of the property where the accident occurred. Take a video of yourself recounting the accident while it is still fresh in your mind.
• Collect Eye Witness Statements: if there are any eyewitnesses, try and get a statement from them. Or, at least, get their names and numbers, as they can testify on your behalf or provide a statement to corroborate your story later.
• Collect General Information: Exchange insurance information with the party responsible for your injuries, and be sure to get their name, phone number, and contact information.
• Contact Maison Law: Our firm is standing by to help car accident victims physically and financially recover. Call, text, or email. Our door is always open to the community, and we’d love to help you through this difficult time.

Contact Maison Law | Car Accident Lawyers

If you or a loved one has been injured due to the carelessness of a permit driver, the Car Accident Attorneys at Maison Law can help. We understand how to deal with insurance companies and protect your right to fair compensation. If liability is a question, then we will provide you with a custom legal plan of action to minimize your fault or remove it from your case entirely.

See what legal options are available to you by contacting Maison Law today for a free consultation and case review.