Can I File A Lawsuit For Car Accident Against The Teenager Driver?

Good driving needs practice and it will improve with time but what if the teens make an accident and hit someone badly? Who will be held accountable? According to the data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there are approximately 13.2 million teenagers who drive every day. And unfortunately, car accidents are the leading cause of death among teenage drivers. Every day millions of accidents happen due to the negligence or lack of expertise of teenage drivers. Even the most careful and practical teenage drivers are at risk and they can get easily involved in car accidents. Not only do they put their life at risk but they can take others' lives as well.

However, even if the teens are in their nineteens and have been issued a driving license still they will need time to gain the wisdom, maturity, experience and courage to make safe decisions while driving a car. Though till they become independent, they are the responsibility of their parents and their parents will be held accountable.

If you or your loved one has got injured due to the negligence of a teenage driver then you have full right to take action. For legal help, you can contact an Orlando car accident attorney. The lawyer will help you in the best way possible.

Many Factors Increase the Risk Of Accidents Among Teens

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it has been reported that teenagers are three times more at risk than other drivers involved in car accidents. The CDC has highlighted some factors that increase the risks of car accidents among teen drivers. They are:

• Lack of experience is one of the main reasons that increase the risk of accidents. Teenagers are at the learning stage so they should drive in a wide area under elders' observation till they get the command over driving.
• Reckless driving behavior means driving at high speed and tailgating just to impress their friends.
• Distracted driving is like using cell phones or interacting with passengers who are sitting in the back seats.
• Drunk driving

All these factors increase the risks of car accidents and can injure the other drivers as well.

Parental Liability

Parental liability is a term that is used to explain the obligations of parents regarding their children. This means parents are responsible for every action of their children till they reach the age of maturity. It is the law in almost all the states that if any children cause any damage to other people's property, car or life either intentionally or unintentionally, their parents have to pay for the damage.

There are some conditions under which a parent can be held accountable for damages caused by their child. These situations include:

1. If the parents failed to Supervise their children: If the parents did not supervise their child and the child unintentionally injured someone then their parents will be held liable for the injury. For example: if the parents left the keys with a ten years old child and they are aware that their child has already attempted to drive a car before.

1. Parental Negligence: it is the negligence of parents to hand over the keys to the child who has not fully learned the driving yet. For example: if the parents gave the keys to the 12 years old just after a few days of driving class.

1. Family Purpose Doctrine: if the child is driving with the family's permission. For example, you asked your child to go for groceries. However, you know his age and know that he has not learned to drive completely.

Every state has a parental liability law. And if the child caused harm to others then legal guardians means parents who have custody will be responsible for the financial damage. Therefore, you can claim compensation from their parents.

Will the Insurance Company Pay If The Accident Was Willful or Malicious Action?

Obviously, teenagers do not have insurance policies. However, they are dependent on their parents and they are on their parents' plan. According to the insurance policy, all the house residents will come under the license of the homeowner's motor vehicle insurance policy. And if the child did any harm to another person’s vehicle then their parent's insurance company will have to pay.

Regardless, if the child did an accident willingly then most probably the insurance company will not pay and the parents will have to pay out of their pocket.

What To Do If a Teen Driver Hits You

If the teenager hit your car and you or any of your family members get injured then you have full right to claim compensation. But before taking any legal action, you should follow some of the essential steps:

• Don’t panic or scold the child as he must be guilty and worried.
• Be polite and it's better to inform the police.
• Check if there isn’t any severe injury otherwise rush to the hospital.
• Ask for the personal contact information or ask the child to call their parents.
• Talk to witnesses and get the contact information for any witnesses at the scene.
• Inform your insurance company as soon as possible.

Tips For Teenagers To Drive Safely

Department of Public Safety (DPS), has shared some of the tips to keep teens safe and avoid parents' liability:

• Parents should model good driving behavior for their teenagers.
• Limit the driving during the evening or on weekends.
• Limit the number of passengers in the vehicle.
• Educate the teen drivers about the dangers of distracted driving.

Wrapping Up

Teenagers can cause severe accidents and injure other drivers traumatically. However, being a victim you can file a lawsuit and take action. Though car accident cases are critical to handle, therefore, it is better to hire an Orlando car accident attorney. Your lawyer will help you to claim fair compensation and guide you legally. He will stand by your side and help you to win the case.