When a minor causes an accident, questions of parental liability, policy coverage, and insurance limits all come into play quickly. HHJ Trial Attorneys understands how these cases work — and how to make sure the full extent of your damages is recovered, not just what the insurer volunteers to offer. We’ve recovered over $10 million for our clients in the last four years, been named Best Litigation Firm three years running by the San Diego Union Tribune, and all three partners are recognized Super Lawyers. Youth doesn’t shield anyone from accountability. We make sure of it.
A teen behind the wheel can bring about many perils. While some teens may be responsible and careful drivers on the road, this is not always the case. Many young drivers are still building up experience on the road, but unfortunately, their mistakes can cause danger for other unsuspecting drivers, passengers, and pedestrians. Were you caught in the crosshairs of a teen driving accident? No matter how young the driver, you are entitled to compensation for injuries.
Why do these driving accidents occur, who is liable, and how can you connect with a teen driving accident attorney? We will answer these questions and more. HHJ Trial Attorneys is a dedicated law firm connecting injured victims with experienced legal representation for teen driving accidents in Carlsbad and other incidents!
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We are San Diego’s Award-winning personal injury law firm. In the last three years, our San Diego personal injury lawyers have won tens of millions in settlements and verdicts for our clients. HHJ Trial Attorneys have been featured in the San Diego local news (ABC 10News San Diego) for recovering some of most challenging personal injury cases in southern California.
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According to the California Office of Traffic Safety, the number of teen drivers (classified as those between the ages of 15-20) involved in fatal crashes increased 14.8% between 2020 and 2021. In 2019, it was reported there were 2,042 deaths in crashes involving teen drivers.
While it is a milestone for teenagers to finally get behind the wheel, there is a great responsibility that accompanies this feat. Failing to be responsible or losing sight of the importance of being a safe driver can lead to serious consequences. Teen driving accidents are common, and they can occur due to a variety of reasons.
Driving under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol is a very common component to a teen driving accident. Even though individuals under 21 are not legally allowed to drink alcohol, in 2020 it was deemed that 29% of young drivers killed in vehicle crashes had a blood alcohol level of 0.1 grams per deciliter (g/dL) or higher. Other teen drivers have been reported to have had blood alcohol levels of 0.8 g/dL or higher.
Being on the phone, choosing their next playlist for the ride home, or simply talking with their friends in the passenger seat can be a pretty frequent case of driving accidents for teens. This is why teen drivers should keep their phone out of sight and be sure to keep their eyes on the road at all times.
Most teen drivers are barely getting the hang of the road. This is why inexperience can play a big factor in driving accidents. Forgetting what a sign means or panicking at the last second due to inexperience can be a problem for young drivers.
Overall lack of awareness may also be a problem. This can often be because of distracted driving as well. Being unaware of a stop sign or incoming car can lead teen drivers to become involved in a crash that can endanger them, their passengers, and other drivers as well.
After a teen driving accident, who could be held liable? There are a few parties that may be liable in your claim:
If you or a loved one were involved in an accident with a teen driver, you should consult with a Carlsbad teen driving accident attorney as soon as possible. Speaking with a lawyer will also help you determine who could be held liable for your injuries and repairs as needed.
All accident claim values vary. There are a number of factors that can determine how much your claim is worth, such as:
These are just a few of the factors that can determine the ultimate value of your claim.
Were you to some degree also liable in the accident? Many injured people involved in teen driving accidents are wary of filing a claim because they may have had some degree of liability. Fortunately, California is a comparative fault state, which means injured individuals can still file a personal injury claim even if they were some percent at fault for the accident.
The percentage of fault is just deducted from your possible compensation amount. For example, if you were 40% liable in the accident, and your claim is valued at $10,000, 40% would be deducted from that amount.
Evidence is crucial in order to strengthen your claim. Some of the most significant evidence you can collect includes:
After collecting this evidence, you should be scheduling a consultation with a Carlsbad teen driving accident attorney. Working with a legal expert for this claim means you will have a lawyer with additional resources who can further interview witnesses and help you collect the necessary evidence for your claim as well.
Becoming a new driver in your teens can be a significant experience for anyone. However, it is essential to follow the rules of the road and take precautions when it comes to a teen’s safety, the safety of their passengers, and all the other motorists on the road. When a young driver gets distracted on the road, panics, or drives recklessly, this can cause serious accidents where other vulnerable people get hurt.
Were you or a loved one involved in a teen driving accident? You may be able to file a personal injury claim to obtain compensation. Whether the driver’s parents or the driver themselves can be held liable, it is important to hold them accountable for their actions and show them that being a driver is not to be taken lightly.
HHJ Trial Attorneys has been a Carlsbad law firm many injured victims can turn to when it comes to making their stories heard and holding all liable parties accountable to the law. We are a group of dedicated and experienced lawyers who have represented injured victims of teen driving accidents, as well as other disastrous accidents on the road. Don’t delay filing your claim, as personal injury claims have a statute of limitations of two years. After two years, obtaining compensation is practically impossible. Contact us now to connect with one of our Carlsbad teen driving accident lawyers.
