WHO PAYS WHEN A MINOR CAUSES THE CRASH?
Whether the minor has a learners permit or a driver's permit, when a minor causes a car accident, both the minor and a parent or guardian are liable for the injuries to you and your property. In Florida, for a minor to obtain a learners permit or driver's license, a parent or guardian must sign the application.
The parent or guardian that signs the application is jointly and severally liable. See § 322.09, Fla. Stat.
The parent or guardian will be responsible for payment of lost wages, loss of earning capacity, past medical expenses, future medical expenses, pain and suffering suffered in the past and to be expected in the future. However, this law does not apply to punitive damages. If it can be proven the minor was driving drunk or distracted because of a cell phone, a jury may award punitive damages, but the parent will not be liable to pay that portion of the verdict. As well, most of the time neither the minor nor the parent will pay the settlement or the judgment out of their own pockets. The auto insurance company is responsible for paying the settlement or the award up to the limits of the policy, and in some automobile accident cases the insurance company may be responsible for paying extracontractual damages. Which mean more than the policy limits.