Learning to drive is a pivotal moment in a young adult’s life, and it is understandable that new drivers will make at least a few minor mistakes as they develop their skills. However, teen drivers who make errors while operating multi-ton motor vehicles can cause life-altering and even life-threatening repercussions for themselves and those around them, who, unfortunately, become involved.
This means it is sometimes necessary to file a civil suit over teen driving accidents in Lowell, and under the uniquely complex and sensitive circumstances of such cases, it can be crucial to have support from capable and compassionate legal counsel. Fortunately, our seasoned car accident attorneys at the Law Offices of David W. Holub are available to offer you the assistance you need to obtain the financial restitution you deserve.
Can Teen Drivers Be Held Liable for Wrecks as Adults?
If a person under 18 commits a criminal offense, the case may proceed in juvenile court rather than through adult criminal prosecution. However, if a minor aged 16 to 18 causes a car crash through negligence, the civil court system could treat them as an adult and hold them financially liable for their actions, as it would someone over 18.
However, teenage drivers involved in Lowell traffic accidents quite rarely have extensive insurance coverage or personal assets, and most of them do not personally own or insure the car they drive. Therefore, if you were hurt in a collision involving a teen driver, you would seek compensation from either their parent, legal guardian, or whoever owns the vehicle they were driving at the time.
Recovering Fairly for Short-Term and Long-Term Losses
Regardless of who specifically you name as the defendant in a lawsuit or settlement demand over a crash with a young driver in Lowell, you can demand compensation from them for every form of harm the incident has caused or will cause you. Importantly, this can include both economic and non-economic damages, such as:
- Physical pain and suffering
- Psychological trauma and distress
- Lost work income, benefits, or working ability
- Emergency medical bills for crash-related injuries
- Out-of-pocket expenses related to the crash, such as rental car fees while your vehicle is being repaired or replaced
Importantly, you can demand restitution in advance for losses you reasonably expect to experience in the future, such as the cost of future rehabilitative therapy, disability-related expenses for purchases such as mobility aids and home modifications, and a decline in overall enjoyment of life. You need to act quickly to do so, though, as Indiana Code § 34-11-2-4 generally allows you a maximum of two years to file suit after your accident, no matter how long your injuries will continue to impact your life.
Call Today To Speak With a Lowell Attorney About an Adolescent Driving Collision Claim
Teen drivers’ lack of experience does not mean they will inevitably cause a wreck or that they cannot ever be trusted to act responsibly behind the wheel without adult supervision. Nevertheless, it is statistically proven that young drivers are more likely to be involved in traffic crashes than older drivers, which means teen driving accidents in Lowell are far from uncommon occurrences.
If you were hurt recently in a collision caused by a driver under the age of 18, we could help you understand and take full advantage of your right to seek financial recovery through insurance claims, civil litigation, or both. Call the Law Offices of David W. Holub today for a confidential consultation.