Minor son in rollover accident concerned about potential charges
My teenage son was involved in a single car rollover accident recently. He was injured and hospitalized.
The passenger was completely unharmed and there was no damage to any other vehicle or property.
When I called police today they told me the car is being held at the station as evidence.
My son said he was merging lanes as his lane was ending. The driver in the left lane did not give way and would not let him merge, forcing my son to swerve to avoid a collision. When he tried to brake to regain control the brakes were not responding. This is when he lost control and the car rolled over.
Important background — one week before the accident we had some mechanical work done at an auto shop. When the car was returned it had new issues. We took it back, they inspected it, dismissed our concerns but noted some faults and gave us a list of repairs needed. They did not warn us the car was unsafe to drive. The accident happened within days of this.
My son is a minor, there were no other victims, no property damage.
My questions:
- What are the realistic chances of him being charged with anything?
- Can his own injuries be used against him in any charge?
- Does the documented mechanical fault and recent shop work help his case?
- The other driver who didn’t give way — does that play a role?
- Should we get a lawyer now before any charges are laid?
Location: WA