While some wheeled vehicles are relatively safe for teens, motorized ones such as e-scooters are a whole different story. Electric scooters can get dangerous because they boast higher speeds and smaller wheels with less stability. When kids cannot brake or slow down safely, accidents may occur.
If your teenager crashes an electric scooter in Tennessee, the aftermath can get ugly. E-scooters are responsible for hundreds of accidents like car collisions or pedestrian hits. Accidents can lead to property damage, broken bones and even traumatic brain injuries.
When your teen gets into an e-scooter accident, are you liable for damages?
Minors and liability in Tennessee
Tennessee laws on personal injury adhere to a modified comparative fault system. If your minor child causes an e-scooter accident, they are liable. However, liability may shift to you depending on the nature of the crash and your teen’s access.
According to Tennessee laws, a parent can be liable for a minor child’s activities that cause property damage or injuries. Under Tennessee statutory law, parental liability for a minor’s willful misconduct is capped at $10,000, but you could face unlimited liability if a victim sues you directly for negligent supervision. If your child frequently gets into e-scooter accidents, you have the responsibility of controlling or curbing their behavior. Knowledge of a child’s tendency serves as grounds for negligence.
Underage riders rarely have any independent financial assets to compensate for any injuries. If your teen’s actions affect someone, the victim may instead look to you to recover damages.
Parental negligence and family purpose
If you bought an e-scooter (or allowed your teen to drive one), a victim can sue you for negligent entrustment. Many Tennessee municipalities prohibit anyone under a certain age (often 16) from operating e-scooters on public roads and roadways. If your teen broke state or municipal age limits, you may be legally responsible.
Tennessee also enforces the Family Purpose Doctrine. Under this doctrine, the head of the house is liable for any accidents stemming from family members using a family vehicle. A plaintiff may argue that your teenager’s scooter functions as a “family vehicle” and extend liability to you.
Defending yourself in liability cases
Parents facing lawsuits over their teenager’s e-scooter accident may not expect the financial costs of shouldering liability. Insurance policies typically do not cover e-scooter accidents. You may need to pay expenses incurred for legal defense or compensation out-of-pocket.
If you are facing a similar liability case, consider reaching out to competent legal representatives to help you decide your best course of action.