Teen drivers cause a proportionally higher number of accidents due to their inexperience and impulsivity. Reach out to a skilled car accident attorney from Phillips Law Group when you or your child is injured in a teen driving accident in Avondale. These cases are more complex than other car crashes, and you will need experienced legal counsel to ensure you receive appropriate compensation. Call our team to get the process started today.
Negligent Drivers Are Responsible for Compensating Victims
Arizona applies a fault-based system for managing vehicle accident claims. This means the driver who caused the crash must pay the losses of anyone who sustains property damage or physical injuries in the accident.
Arizona Revised Statutes §28-4009 requires every registered vehicle to carry $25,000 coverage for injuries to one person, $50,000 for injuries to multiple people, and $15,000 for property damage. When a driver causes an accident, their insurer is liable for property damage and injuries others sustain up to the driver’s coverage limits.
Most car accident claims settle before an injured person must file a lawsuit but sometimes an insurance company is reluctant to pay a reasonable sum. In such cases, an Avondale attorney can pursue a judgment in court.
Negligent Operation Is Common Among Teens
Teen drivers are still gaining experience operating their vehicles and they often do not have the skills to anticipate and avoid situations that could lead to accidents. In addition, teens often have limited impulse control and are prone to distraction, especially when they have peers in the vehicle with them.
The state imposes license restrictions on teen drivers in certain circumstances, including prohibitions on driving at night or carrying passengers other than a supervising adult. When a teen violates these restrictions, they are negligent.
An Avondale attorney representing someone injured by a teen driver can review the police report, video footage of the accident when available, witness statements, and other evidence. They can also determine what class of license the teen holds and whether any restrictions apply. Any proof that the teen violated a law, was driving in violation of their license restrictions, or did not use reasonable caution could be evidence of negligence that leads to liability.
Parents Are Liable When Teens Cause Crashes
Teens cannot receive learner’s permits or conditional licenses without their parent or guardian’s approval. This makes parents responsible for the result of any car accident their child causes. Teens under 18 also cannot buy car insurance. Parents must put a teen driver on their plan and get an endorsement from their insurer verifying that the insurer will pay if the teen causes property damage or injuries while driving.
Not only must the parents’ insurance cover the teen driver, but the parents can be personally liable for any losses that exceed the coverage limits. Further, even if the teen is old enough to have an unrestricted license and purchase their own insurance, the parents could still be liable if they allow the teen to use a vehicle the parents own.
When an attorney in Avondale represents someone harmed by a teen driver, they investigate to determine the limits of the parent’s insurance, including any umbrella coverage they may have. A legal professional would also determine whether the parents have assets like investment funds, real estate, or vehicles that could be attached if a verdict for damages exceeds their insurance coverage.
Consult an Avondale Attorney About Teen Driver Accident Claims
Getting appropriate compensation for teen driving accidents in Avondale can be a struggle. In cases of serious injury, seeking compensation from the teen’s parents could be necessary.
Talk to a team member at Phillips Law Group to learn about your legal options. We offer no-cost, no-obligation consultations so you can make an informed decision about how you wish to proceed.
Reach out today to get started working with a dedicated advocate. We look forward to hearing from you and are confident we can help you better understand your rights and options moving forward. Call now to learn more!
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