Woman Arrested, Child Injured After Driving Into Neighbor’s Truck in a Northwest-Side Neighborhood

According to a News4SanAntonio report, a woman was arrested and a child was injured following a reckless accident last week.

Police reported the crash happened around 4 p.m. on Sunday, November 11th, in a neighborhood on the 4200 block of Gossan Springs.
Investigators say 25-year-old Ladeja Pickett asked a girl under the age of 10 — who was not her child — to move a vehicle parked in the driveway so she could put up Christmas decorations.

The child got into the vehicle, started it on her own, and quickly lost control. The car crashed into a neighbor’s truck, throwing the child from the vehicle. She suffered a head laceration and road rash on her leg. Pickett was arrested at the scene. No other injuries were reported.

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Did You Know?

2,139 accidents statewide last year were caused by an improper start from a parked position, according to TxDOT.

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What Happens If a Child Causes a Car Accident in Texas?

Accidents involving children behind the wheel are extremely rare — but when they do occur, they create difficult questions about fault and responsibility. This Northwest-Side crash shows how quickly a situation can escalate when children are allowed access to a running vehicle.

Can a Child Be Held Legally Responsible?

Under Texas law, minors under the age of 18 cannot legally drive without a valid license or permit, and children under 15 are not eligible for one. That means if a child causes an accident, they cannot be held personally liable in the same way an adult driver would be.

Instead, responsibility typically falls on the adult who allowed the child access to the vehicle — whether they handed over the keys directly or failed to supervise the child properly. In this case, police arrested the adult involved because she gave the child permission to move the vehicle.

Adult and Parental Responsibility

Texas courts generally apply the principle of negligent entrustment, which means an adult can be held legally responsible for injuries or property damage if they knowingly allow an unqualified or incapable person — such as a child — to operate a vehicle.

In accidents like this, adults may face:

• Criminal charges for endangerment or negligence.

• Civil liability if someone else’s property was damaged or anyone was injured.

• Increased insurance claims or denial of coverage if the vehicle was operated illegally.

Even if no one intends harm, Texas law views giving a child control of a vehicle as an unreasonable and preventable risk.

Preventing Similar Accidents

It’s easy to underestimate how quickly a child can start a vehicle — especially with modern keyless ignition systems. To prevent similar accidents:

• Never leave keys where children can reach them. Keep them out of sight and locked away if possible.

• Use parking brakes when your car is in the driveway.

• Teach children about car safety early. Emphasize that cars aren’t toys, even when parked.

• Supervise outdoor activities when children are playing near vehicles or driveways.

Small habits like these can prevent tragedy and protect both families and neighbors.

Injured by a Child Driver? Call Shaw.

Accidents involving children behind the wheel can be legally complex and emotionally overwhelming. Even when harm is unintentional, victims may face medical bills, lost income, and long recovery times — and determining who is responsible isn’t always straightforward.

If you or your loved one was injured because an adult allowed a child to operate a vehicle, you may be entitled to compensation for:

• Emergency Treatment

• Medical Bills

• Lost Wages

• Property Damage

• Pain and Suffering

• And More

We can help you find out for free.

Call Shaw at 800-862-1260 today or use the live chat to schedule your free case evaluation with one of our personal injury attorneys.
No fees. No pressure. Just expert legal advice when you need it most.

We look forward to serving you.

 

 

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¹News4SanAntonio Report

²TxDOT Crash Contributing Factors 2024