It is no secret that teenage drivers are more likely to be involved in a car accident than adults. They often lack the experience and maturity to avoid a collision, and even a brief lapse in judgment can have devastating consequences. Teen driving car accidents in Crown Point often raise complex legal questions regarding liability. Multiple parties could be responsible for your losses, from the teenager to their parents. Before you attempt to take on the challenge of a civil claim on your own, reach out to a skilled car accident attorney to discuss your options.
Who is Liable for a Teen Driver Car Accident?
The specific age of a teen could ultimately impact who is liable for an accident they cause. Drivers who are 18 or 19 years of age are adults under the law and are personally responsible when their negligence leads to a collision.
The story can be a little different when it comes to drivers under the age of 18. In Indiana, the parents or guardians of a minor who caused an accident can be held liable in some cases. See Ind. Code 9-24-9-4. Specifically, these parties are on the hook for any damages if they signed the teenager’s license application and financial liability form.
Whether or not a parent agreed to assume responsibility for an accident is important, as teenagers rarely have the resources to cover the cost of a vehicle collision. The extent of their insurance coverage—typically paid by the parent—will also go a long way toward determining what losses are paid out.
It is important to note that there are limits on what a parent might be asked to pay. Liability is capped at $5,000, and parents are only responsible for actual damages like medical bills or lost wages following a Crown Point teen driving accident. See Ind. Code 34-31-4-1.
Common Injuries in Teen Driving Accidents
Injuries in an accident in Lowell caused by a teenage driver can vary. Any part of the body could suffer damage in a crash, but these conditions are often traumatic due to their reckless nature behind the wheel. Some common examples include:
- Paralysis
- Lacerations
- Severe burns
- Broken bones
- Torn ligaments
- Sprains and strains
- Spinal cord injuries
Let an attorney review your injuries and determine if you have a case for compensation.
Factors That Can Result in Teenage Collisions
Teen drivers are frequently responsible for accidents with other drivers, but the factors that cause the crash can vary significantly from one case to another. One factor that is frequently to blame for these incidents is distraction. Teenagers have the world at their fingertips with their smartphones, but many focus on texting or recording videos when they should be worried about the road in front of them.
Speeding is another common risk factor. Young motorists are more likely to take part in dangerous behavior, and traveling at high speeds is the most common example. This could involve anything from recklessness to simply being in a hurry.
Impairment can also result in teen driving accidents in Crown Point, even though they are not old enough to drink. Motorists are far more likely to cause a crash when they are impaired.
Talk to an Attorney in Crown Point About The Accident You Had With A Teen Driver
Dealing with the injuries after a car accident can be difficult under the best of circumstances. These challenges can be even greater in teen driving car accidents in Crown Point, where questions of liability often arise. If you are unsure who is responsible for your expenses, you need the support of legal counsel that knows how to win. Reach out right away to discuss your personal injury claim during a free consultation.