Las Vegas, NV (May 28th, 2025) – With Memorial Day 2025 in the books, the Las Vegas Metro Police and Clark County Sheriff departments are increasing enforcement during this year’s “100 Deadliest Days” in an effort to save the lives of teenage drivers, and those with whom they share the road.
Teen drivers face unique challenges behind the wheel, especially in bustling urban environments like Las Vegas. Their inexperience, combined with distractions and a propensity for risk-taking, often leads to accidents.
The “100 Deadliest Days” and Teen Driving
The period between Memorial Day and Labor Day is referred to as the “100 Deadliest Days” due to a significant increase in fatal crashes involving teen drivers. Factors contributing to this spike include:
- Increased Free Time: With school out, teens have more time to drive, often without supervision.
- Social Activities: Summer parties and gatherings may involve alcohol, leading to impaired driving.
- Night Driving: Longer days and social events result in more nighttime driving, which is riskier for inexperienced drivers.
Local authorities in Las Vegas have recognized this trend and are implementing measures to mitigate risks during this period. Efforts include increased law enforcement presence, public awareness campaigns, and educational programs aimed at promoting safe driving habits among teens.
Why Are Teen Drivers More Likely to Cause Accidents?
Teenagers don’t have the same driving experience as adults. That gap matters more than most people realize. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, drivers aged 16-years-old to 19-years-old are nearly three times more likely to be involved in a fatal crash than drivers over 20-years-old.
Some common factors that make teen drivers more prone to cause car accidents in Las Vegas include:
Lack of Experience
Teen drivers often lack the experience to make quick decisions in complex traffic situations. This inexperience can lead to misjudging distances, speeds, and the intentions of other drivers, increasing the likelihood of accidents.
Distractions
With the prevalence of smartphones and in-car entertainment systems, distractions are a significant concern. Teen drivers may be tempted to text, use social media, or engage with passengers, diverting their attention from the road.
Risk-Taking Behavior
Adolescents are more likely to engage in dangerous behaviors such as speeding, not wearing seatbelts, and driving under the influence. These actions significantly elevate the risk of severe accidents.
Legal Considerations in Accidents Involving Teen Drivers
Liability in a teen driver crash doesn’t stop with the driver. In many cases, parents or even employers may bear some responsibility. Nevada’s laws also consider fault on both sides of the accident.
When the Teen Driver Is at Fault
Teen drivers can be held legally responsible for Las Vegas car accidents they cause, just like adults. If they break a traffic law, like running a red light, speeding, or texting while driving, that can establish negligence.
When someone is injured due to the teen’s careless or reckless driving, they may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and more. In civil court, it doesn’t matter that the driver is a minor. A personal injury claim can still move forward.
However, insurance coverage plays a key role. Most teen drivers are insured under their parents’ auto policies. As such, the parents’ insurance provider will usually be the one paying out a claim or settlement.
Parental Liability and Negligent Entrustment
Under Nevada law, parents can be held liable for a crash if they allowed their teenager to drive knowing the teen wasn’t ready for the road, and posed a danger to others.
This legal theory, known as negligent entrustment, applies when a parent gives their child access to a vehicle, knowing they are inexperienced, reckless, or otherwise unfit to drive safely.
For example, if a teen had a history of speeding tickets or a recent at-fault crash, and the parent still handed over the keys, the parent could be named in a lawsuit. Even if they weren’t in the car, they may share legal responsibility.
Additionally, when a teen under 18-years-old applies for a driver’s license, Nevada requires a parent or guardian to sign a financial responsibility form. That signature can open the door to parental liability for damages caused by the teen driver.
Employer Liability if the Teen Was Driving for Work
If a teen driver was on the job, delivering food, running errands, or driving a company vehicle, their employer might also be liable. Such accidents commonly fall under the legal concept of vicarious liability, where a company can be held responsible for the actions of its employees during work hours.
For example, if a teen working for a pizza place hits someone while out on delivery, the injured person may have a valid claim against the business, not just the driver.
Employers are expected to properly vet all drivers, provide training, and maintain insurance. Failing to do so can add another layer of liability if a crash occurs.
How Comparative Negligence Affects Compensation in Nevada
Nevada follows a modified comparative negligence rule. Therefore, an injured person can still recover damages in a Las Vegas motor vehicle accident case, even if they were partially at fault, as long as they were less than 51% responsible.
For instance, if a teen driver ran a stop sign, but you were speeding, the court might assign partial blame to you. If you were found 20% at fault, your total compensation would be reduced by that amount.
However, if you’re found 51% or more responsible, you lose the right to collect damages entirely. As such, it’s important to gather strong evidence, especially in cases involving young, inexperienced drivers who may not fully understand or explain what happened.
Injured in a Crash Involving a Teen Driver? Talk to George Bochanis Injury Law Offices
If you or someone you care about was hurt in a collision with a teen driver, you’re not alone, and you don’t have to navigate the legal process by yourself. These cases often involve questions of parental liability, insurance disputes, and shared fault, especially in Nevada.
For over 35 years, George Bochanis Injury Law Offices has been helping Las Vegas crash victims understand their rights and recover what they’re owed. Our team will investigate your accident, work with the insurance companies, and build a case that holds the right parties accountable.
Let us take it from here, so you can focus on healing. Contact us today for a free consultation and get clear answers about your next steps. 702-388-2005.
