Learning to drive is a significant milestone for any teenager, especially if they can share the experience with a parent, guardian, or older sibling who can help them adopt safe driving habits. However, while many teenagers can legally drive on public roads—either with an adult or, in some cases, alone—their inexperience can increase the likelihood of being involved in avoidable traffic accidents.
If you were hurt in an accident with a teen driver where you were not at fault, pursuing financial compensation for your crash-related losses may differ from cases involving accidents with other adults. Fortunately, a capable car accident attorney from Phillips Law Group can guide you through the unique elements of teen driving accidents in Flagstaff, maximizing your chances of a favorable outcome.
Although teen drivers are statistically more prone to car crashes than adult drivers, that does not mean an insurance company or civil court will automatically assume every teenager involved in a collision is primarily responsible. Instead, the person seeking compensation for their accident-related losses must demonstrate that a specific reckless or careless act by the teenage driver was the primary and direct cause of the accident.
Depending on the circumstances, this could be an overtly illegal act, such as speeding, texting and driving, or running a red light, or simply an honest mistake due to inexperience or a momentary distraction. Either way, establishing a causal link between a teen driver’s negligence and a Flagstaff auto accident will be the goal of any ensuing lawsuit or settlement demand.
Usually, seeking financial restitution for a car crash that a teen driver causes entails filing a claim against the auto insurance held by the teen driver’s parent(s) or legal guardian(s). While there are a few rare exceptions, the vast majority of teen drivers do not personally own or insure the vehicles they drive. This has created significant legal precedent for parents to be held liable for their child’s negligence while driving.
In fact, parents can be held directly liable for irresponsibly or intentionally allowing an unqualified driver to use their car—for example, if the child has a learner’s permit that requires an adult to be present while driving, but the parents knowingly let them drive alone. An experienced lawyer can provide crucial guidance on establishing financial accountability for a particular teen driving wreck in Flagstaff.
Teen drivers are likely to make some minor mistakes while learning to manage a multi-ton motor vehicle. However, if such a mistake has led to you being seriously hurt in a wreck, you have the right to seek financial restitution from the at-fault teenager’s parents or guardians through insurance negotiations and possibly a civil lawsuit.
If you have questions about your options for pursuing a lawsuit related to teen driving accidents in Flagstaff, a knowledgeable legal professional from Phillips Law Group can provide the answers you need. Call today to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation.
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