One of the most exciting things about becoming a teenager is learning to drive. It is a monumental milestone in life, but it also comes hand-in-hand with serious risks. Teenage drivers are inherently inexperienced and prone to making bad decisions. As a result, they are more likely to get into car crashes than other age groups, which are the top cause of death and injury for teens.
If you were involved in an automobile crash with a teenager, you should explore your legal options. Young drivers tailgate, speed, drive under the influence of alcohol, and participate in other reckless driving behaviors that endanger others on the road. As a result, many laws are in place to make the roads safer for everyone. Regardless of whether you are a victim, a new driver, or an anxious parent, you must know your rights and responsibilities. Consider consulting with the skilled car accident attorneys at the Carlton Bennett Law Firm after experiencing a teen driving accident in Virginia Beach to find out if you are eligible for compensation.
Virginia has a Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) program designed to help young people gain experience behind the wheel safely. People can start driving at age 15 1/2 when they get their learner’s permit. They must pass vision and knowledge tests and always have a licensed adult (at least 21 years old or 18 if immediate family) accompanying them in the passenger seat.
Local law places specific restrictions on drivers under the age of 18. They cannot drive between midnight and 4 a.m., although there are a few exceptions, like driving to work or school. They are also allowed a single non-family member passenger under the age of 21 in their vehicle, with few exceptions. A Virginia Beach lawyer with experience navigating teenage automobile accidents will be able to spot which laws were broken that can help your personal injury case.
Many factors contribute to the likelihood of an adolescent motorist getting into a car crash. Some of the most common ones are:
Any kind of car crash can result in serious harm that changes the course of someone’s life, such as a traumatic brain injury (TBI), spinal cord damage resulting in paralysis, and even fatalities. Teen drivers face specific consequences for violating driving laws, like fines, demerit points, or license suspension. Repeated violations can result in escalating consequences to discourage reckless or unsafe behavior. Thus, if you get into a vehicle crash with an inexperienced young driver, you must enforce accountability with the aid of a Virginia Beach lawyer.
Even though they are not adults, teens can be held liable when they cause automobile incidents. Under the rule of parental liability, parents or guardians can also be held accountable for their teen’s negligence in certain circumstances.
Local law requires teen drivers to be covered under an auto insurance policy. A parent’s policy typically covers their child. However, determining which insurance policy applies and the extent of coverage can complicate claims, especially if the accident involves multiple victims.
Further, teens are held to the same standard of care as adults. If a teen acts negligently on the road, they can be held liable for any resulting injuries or damages. You must show they had a duty of care to not harm other people on the road, they breached that duty, you were harmed, and the harm was directly caused by the adolescent’s breach of duty. If those conditions are met, they can be ordered to pay for your related economic and non-economic damages, like lost wages, pain and suffering, and medical bills.
Depending on what exactly happened in the crash, you may file a claim with the minor driver’s insurance company or pursue a personal injury lawsuit against the teen and their parents in Virginia Beach.
Getting into a car accident is always frustrating and complex. It may feel even more complex when the other party is a minor or if you are underage and being blamed for what happened. You need a legal professional who understands personal injury law and teen driving accidents in Virginia Beach to navigate the legal complexities of your situation. Call us today to schedule a consultation.
