Ohio teen lets unlicensed teen drive, gets in accident, lies to police, who's liable? What's next?

I just found out that my 16 y.o. son was driving during a car accident last month. He only has a temp permit. His 17 y.o. licensed friend said "you drive. You're getting your license soon & I have a headache." Like a dummy, he did. When they got in the accident, the other kid talked to the police & told them he was driving. Via text mssg's I found out that wasn't true, my son was driving.

The accident was their fault. No one was seriously injured. Both cars were totalled. The car owner's insurance covered it.. but now that the truth has come out and court will start all over. Who will be financially liable? What are typical legal consequences for my son in Ohio?

The other kid's Dad has told me he is having his son change his plea to "not guilty" at his hearing in 10 days. His father is an attorney, albeit he knows nothing about this type of law. The kid has lied to the police, the court, & told my son that the court found out & his dad paid fine (a lie). My son tt no one.

My son is admitting to driving 2 days ago. He told me when I asked him "what do you need to tell me about the accident?" I called the other boy's father and let him know that they had both been lying about the 17 y.o. driving. It isn't a question of who was behind the wheel anymore. It's not one person's word against another. I'm sorry if I didn't make that clear.

If he is required to appear in court, hire an attorney. The kid who let him drive may lose his license for allowing an unlicensed driver to operate the vehicle. The insurance company can (and probably will) deny payment of the claim. Your Son was driving so part of this is going to come down on him and MAY prevent him from getting a license until 18 or even 21.

Your son is liable as the driver. Expect the insurance company to come after him for what they paid. The policy DOES NOT cover unlicensed drivers. You are financially liable for your minor child. The 17 yr old is also liable for allowing an unlicensed driver to operate the car. Report Abuse

The insurance will come after your son, and since he is a minor - you, for reimbursement of moneys they have paid out. As for the legal consequences, that will be up to the courts; but, in my opinion, both are equality guilty. If it were me, there would be a couple of kids scrubbing floors and toilets with a toothbrush for quite a while!!!!!

The answerer above is correct that you need a lawyer and that this is for the courts to decide. You have more problems than just financial liability. Your son can be charged for driving without a license and will not be able to get his license until he is 18, if then. Just be glad nobody was hurt and hope that he learned his lesson.

Legalities about this type of incident can only be resolved through the Court system,and you must consult an Attorney! Legal Aid may help you,if you are not financially able to pay for an attorney! Good-Luck- and God-Bless!

get a lawyer and talk to them

this isnt a matter we can really answer

its one kids word against the other plus the other driver involved if you can talk to them and get them to tell you who they saw driving