Car Accident Claims Involving Teen Drivers in Pennsylvania

Crashes involving teen drivers remain a serious safety concern. Teen drivers are less experienced than adults, which can increase the risk of serious or fatal crashes.

Many people aren’t sure how to handle a car accident with a teen driver. Who can be held liable when a minor causes a crash? If the teen is over 18, are they completely liable, or are their parents still a part of the picture? These questions, and more, are valid concerns for drivers.

In the blog below, we’ll discuss more about determining liability with teen drivers and the steps to take if you’re in an accident with one. Keep reading to learn more. Or contact the team at Carmody and Ging Injury & Accident Lawyers to request a free consultation.

How is liability determined?

Liability is determined much like it is for all other car accidents. Negligence must be proven, injuries with damages must be sustained, and the victim must show the connection. Teen drivers can be held liable. In some cases, so can their parents or the owner of the vehicle they are operating. Anyone questioning who is liable is encouraged to speak to an attorney to understand their legal options.

Causes of teen driver accidents:

There are many causes of teen car accidents. We’ve discussed the most common below:

Distracted driving

Distracted driving is a big concern for all drivers, but especially teens. They may use their phones, have friends in the car, or try texting while driving. When their focus is shifted from driving, accidents are more likely to occur.

Teens may also have slower reaction times due to a lack of driving experience. This could mean they are less likely to anticipate what other drivers are doing. All of these factors may contribute to car accidents.

Speeding

A lack of experience may have some teens unaware of how dangerous speeding can be. Some may ignore speed limit signs while others try speeding to impress others. Speeding can quickly cause drivers to lose control of a vehicle and result in accidents.

Impaired driving

Peer pressure is a serious thing that people of all ages deal with. This is especially true for our teen drivers on the road. Sometimes, they feel pressured into trying illegal substances and then attempt to drive a vehicle. This combination can result in disaster.

Other driver errors

Teen drivers just don’t have the experience behind the wheel that adults do. And some things are only learned with time and practice. Some examples include:

• Eating while driving looks easy, but it can cause issues. A loss of focus or a momentary lapse of judgment could result in an accident.
• Loud passengers may become distracting and cause accidents with teen drivers.
• Drowsy driving is incredibly dangerous. Teen drivers may not realize how dangerous it is until they are behind the wheel while tired.

Teen driver accident FAQs:

A few of the most common questions we get about teen drivers and accidents are answered below:

What injuries are most common in car accidents with teen drivers?

Injuries range from mild to life-changing. Some injuries require rest, others need surgery. Some of the most common include:

• Traumatic brain injuries (bleeds, fractures, concussions)
• Broken bones or amputation
• Neck or back injuries (whiplash, herniated discs, fractures, spinal cord damage)
• Internal organ damage
• Nerve or soft tissue damage (muscles, ligaments, tendons)

Sometimes insurance agencies downplay the severity of injuries to pay less. Many people find it beneficial to have an experienced attorney by their side when submitting a personal injury claim.

What compensation can I get?

Any ethical law firm educates individuals on the fact that compensation is not guaranteed. And impossible to estimate without knowing the details of a case. In general, we seek the following types of compensation:

• Current and future medical expenses
• Lost wages and future earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Property damage
• Emotional anguish

Each case has factors that specifically impact the amount of compensation that may be available. We recommend that anyone involved in an accident with a teen driver speak to an attorney. They can help them understand their legal options.

What steps to take after an accident with a teen driver:

We recommend taking the following steps after an accident with a Pennsylvania teen driver:

Seek medical care

First and foremost, seeking medical care is essential. Some injuries do not show symptoms right away. Others need immediate medical care so they don’t become disastrous. It’s also recommended that all treatment plans and follow-up appointments be completed. Showing that someone sought medical care and took it seriously may help strengthen a claim.

Document everything

Documenting the accident, injuries, and interactions with insurance agencies is also recommended. Someone keeping detailed records can help create a clear timeline for personal injury claims.

Speak to a car accident lawyer

When in doubt, a car accident lawyer can educate people on their legal options. Car accident claims involving minors may become challenging or overwhelming. An experienced attorney helps clients navigate these types of claims so they can focus on healing.

How does insurance coverage work with teen drivers?

Pennsylvania requires all motor vehicles to be covered by auto insurance, including those driven by teens. Most parents add teen drivers to their existing policy, but some may get their own policies.

After an accident, if the teen is the at-fault driver, the applicable insurance policy may cover the accident expenses. For minor teens, their parents may be responsible for the damage their child caused in some circumstances. Examples include cases where the parents acted negligently or where another form of liability applies. There may be other parties to hold liable, depending on the circumstances.

How does a car accident lawyer help clients?

Car accident lawyers help clients in several ways. They investigate claims and build strong cases. They also advocate for their clients’ rights and represent them in court. An experienced attorney provides knowledgeable legal guidance and peace of mind. We encourage you to speak to an attorney today to learn if you can benefit from legal support.

Contact Carmody and Ging Injury & Accident Lawyers today

Car accidents involving minors can be challenging to navigate. Liability can be difficult to determine, and many claims become complex. At Carmody and Ging Injury & Accident Lawyers, we understand how to help clients through the legal process. We offer free consultations to determine if we can help you with your case. Contact us today to request yours and learn more about your legal options.