Unfortunately, driving under the influence is one of the most common ways that car accidents happen in Lexington. To make things worse, DUIs aren’t limited to one specific subset of people–any driver can make the choice. Often, it’s you and other drivers that are left dealing with the aftermath of the accident.
On Saturday, August 16, 2025, three people were injured in a car accident on Canary Road in Lexington, according to a story from LEX18. The Lexington Police Department (LPD) first received a call of a hit-and-run around 11:00 p.m. at the intersection of Nicholasville Road and Waller Avenue. Once they arrived on the scene of that accident, there were no injuries. However, the driver had already fled the scene. He was quickly located at the scene of a three-vehicle crash on nearby Canary Road, where three people were injured in the collision. Police say one of the people suffered life-threatening injuries, while the other two were less seriously injured.
LPD later charged the driver of the car that caused both accidents, a 17-year-old, with fleeing the scene of an accident, first-degree assault, and driving under the influence.
Who’s Liable When a Teenager Causes a Car Accident in Kentucky?
Driving under the influence is one of the most dangerous choices a driver can make—and it’s especially troubling when the driver is just 17. But it doesn’t change your options. Once someone gets a driver’s license and drives on public roads, they’re held to the same legal responsibilities as any other driver. So, if a 17-year-old causes an accident, they can still be held accountable for the results.
But here’s where things get a little more complicated. The vast majority of teenagers don’t own their own car. Instead, the car is usually in a parent’s or guardian’s name—and with that ownership comes added responsibility. Here’s how:
- If the teen had permission to drive the car – The parent or adult who owns the vehicle (and the insurance policy) will typically be on the hook for the damages. Kentucky law recognizes what’s called “vicarious liability,” which can make a car’s owner responsible for what happens when someone else drives their vehicle.
- If the teen didn’t have permission – Things shift a bit. Even if the teenager took the car without asking, insurance policies often still come into play. Sorting out these details can be tricky, but they’re important for making sure the right party is held financially responsible.
When a teenager causes a DUI accident, the legal and insurance questions pile up quickly. On top of that, you’re left dealing with the real-life consequences. That’s when you can turn to our Lexington DUI accident lawyers at Kaufman & Stigger for answers.
Contact Kaufman & Stigger After a Lexington Car Accident
An accident caused by an underage drunk driver doesn’t just disrupt your day—it can change your entire life. The impact often goes far beyond the iniital accident, leaving you with injuries and other losses to deal with. That’s where our team can step in and guide you through the claims process, making sure it covers the full impact of what you’ve been through. This gives you the best chance at getting damages for your:
- Medical expenses from ER visits, hospital stays, or follow-up care
- Ongoing rehab or therapy if your injuries take time to heal
- Lost income when you’re unable to work during recovery
- Vehicle repairs or replacement costs
- Pain, stress, and emotional strain that affect your daily life
- Loss of enjoyment of everyday activities you can no longer do
A DUI accident involving a teenager can leave you feeling uncertain and overwhelmed—but that’s exactly why we’re here. To get your claims process started after a Lexington car accident, reach out to our team today for a free consultation.
