Driving in Nez Perce County (or anywhere else along U.S. Highway 12) means coming into contact with many different drivers in many different kinds of vehicles. What’s more, not every driver is as experienced as you might be. Sometimes, it leads to situations where there’s both younger and older drivers involved, which is exactly what happened on Friday, February 27, 2026 according to a story from KHQ.
Idaho State Police (ISP) deputies say that four vehicles were involved in a collision on Highway 12 near Arrow, which left a 71-year-old man dead and another injured. According to an initial investigation, ISP says that a teenager from Lewiston was attempting to pass the 71-year-old man driving his Ford when the teen failed to make the pass, instead sideswiping the Ford as he tried to reenter the lane.
The 71-year-old man then lost control of his vehicle, swerving into another car and a semi-truck. He was pronounced dead at the scene of his injuries, while the teen driver was treated for minor injuries at a local hospital. Nobody else involved in the accident was injured, according to ISP.
Can I File a Claim Against a Teen When They Cause a Car Accident?
When a teenager gets their license in Idaho, the law treats them like any other driver. They’re expected to pay attention, follow traffic laws, and make safe decisions behind the wheel. If they don’t—and you or someone you care about gets hurt—they’re still legally responsible just like any other driver would be.
But here’s where these situations usually get a little complicated.
Most teens aren’t driving a car they own. It’s typically a parent’s vehicle. And in Idaho, that can matter a lot. If a parent signed their child’s driver’s license application, the law can hold that parent financially responsible for damage their teen causes.
On top of that, insurance usually follows the car. So in many cases, you’re actually dealing with a parent’s auto insurance policy—not the teen personally.
That means when you start asking, “Who do I file a claim against?” the answer might include:
- The teen driver
- The parent who signed for their license
- The owner of the vehicle
- The insurance policy covering the car
Once you get an answer on that part, you can file an injury claim. But every situation is different. Before you reach that point, you should think about talking to our team of Idaho car accident lawyers at Crary, Clark, and Domanico for guidance.
Get Help If You’re Injured by a Teen Driver in Idaho
Anytime you’re in a car accident, the aftermath is confusing. That only increases when the other driver happens to be a teenager. But your rights don’t change, and that means the claims process is going to be important for your health moving forward.
At Crary, Clark, and Domanico, we can help you untangle the web of responsibility and put together a strong claim that covers your “damages”, helping you get financial support for:
- Current and future medical expenses
- Current lost wages or a loss of earning potential
- Repair/replacement costs for your car
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Reduced quality of life
- Wrongful death expenses in fatal accidents
Don’t wait—set up a free consultation today.