Being in a car accident is every motorist’s nightmare. Nevertheless, auto crashes account for 1.35 million deaths and 20 to 50 million non-fatal injuries worldwide every year. Many times, these accidents are the fault of careless road users who disregard traffic safety rules. In such situations, you can ask your experienced Clarkston car accident attorney to pursue a compensation claim on your behalf.
However, sometimes, the at-fault driver is a teenage driver or minor. In such cases, one can be nervous about filing an action against such a young person. You may also wonder if Georgia car accident laws provide for scenarios like this one.
Fortunately, it’s possible to get compensation for your injuries when the at-fault driver is a teenager. However, it all depends on whether you’re following the proper legal steps and procedures. We’ll discuss all you need to know about teenage traffic accidents and liability in this article.
What Are the Major Causes of Teen Traffic Accidents?
According to statistics, teenagers are thrice more likely to get involved in road crashes than adults above 20 years old. The report also shows that in 2019, 2,400 teens aged 13-19 were victims of fatal motor vehicles. The primary reasons for such a high rate of teenage road crashes include:
- Driver inexperience
- Distracted driving
- No use of seatbelts
- Speeding
- Fatigue and stress
Georgia’s Parental Responsibility Laws
In some cases, Georgia places liability on parents whose teens caused a car accident. That’s because the law places vicarious liability on parents for the torts of children who are still under their control. However, Georgian authorities also encourage parents to be responsible in educating their children about traffic safety.
In Clarkston, however, your ability to hold the at-fault teenager’s parents liable depends on if you can prove the following:
- The teenagers’ parents had legal control over them and entrusted them with the car. In addition, the parents gave the teen permission to drive with full knowledge of the child’s inexperience. Again, you may also show that they kept the motor vehicle for family purposes.
- The accident was a direct consequence of the teenager’s tort
- You sustained injuries or damage in the accident.
How Can I Get Compensation After a Teenage Driver Crashes My Vehicle?
What you do after a car crash can either make or mar your potential personal injury claim. As such, you must be careful of your actions after a teen car accident in Clarkston. Your injury attorney will instruct you on what to do, from gathering evidence to refusing to give ill-advised recorded statements.
Generally, however, you’ll get compensation in a car accident case involving a teen through the following means:
-
Filing an Injury Claim Against the At-Fault Parties
Usually, the first step to compensation in a personal injury case is by filing an insurance claim. If the insurance company confirms the defendant’s fault, they’ll offer a settlement sum, which you may accept or refuse. If you reject their offer, you will have to negotiate an appropriate sum with them. When you eventually reach an agreement with the insurance company, you get your compensation, ending the claim.
-
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage
There are many cases where the liable party has no insurance coverage. In other cases, the insurance coverage can’t adequately compensate for your injuries and property loss. In either of those scenarios, you can look to your insurance to cover your compensation. Your uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage comes in handy in such situations.
-
Filing a Lawsuit
Depending on your case’s specifics, you may decide to file a lawsuit if every other option fails. For example, you almost always can’t do without a Clarkston personal injury attorney in a car accident lawsuit. Your lawyer will protect your rights, handle legal compliance, present your case before a judge and advocate for maximum compensation.
Contact The Weinstein Firm ASAP!
Did you get into a car accident where the negligent driver is a teenager? Then you can get maximum compensation for your injuries and car damage. However, most teen accident cases are pretty tricky, and you’ll need an experienced legal professional to navigate the inherent bottlenecks.
That’s precisely why our Clarkston car accident lawyers are here for you. We want to ensure that you don’t make any mistakes in your bid to get an adequate settlement. We’ll help you through the settlement/lawsuit processes and ensure that you get the compensation you deserve without hassle. So, contact us immediately for a free consultation with the best injury attorneys in Clarkston, GA.
