Statistically speaking, teenage drivers are much more likely to get into car accidents than adult drivers because they do not have the same amount of experience handling an automobile and are more likely to act irresponsibly behind the wheel. Either way, a teen driver who caused you to get hurt in a wreck can be held liable for the consequences of their actions just like any adult could. In practice, though, personal injury claims built around teen driving accidents in Glendale tend to be a bit more complicated than that, and they often involve more than one liable party with more than one insurance company involved in the proceedings as well.
If you want to get paid fairly for the harm that a teenager’s misconduct while driving has caused you, you should strongly consider getting the help of a car accident lawyer from Phillips Law Group who has handled similar cases successfully in the past.
Holding a Parent Liable for Their Teenager’s Negligence
If a parent or guardian knowingly allows their child to drive a motor vehicle titled in that parent or guardian’s name, they assume civil liability for any injuries or property damage their child causes through any kind of traffic collision while driving that vehicle. Therefore, it is often possible—and usually prudent—to name a negligent teenager’s parent(s) or guardian(s) as defendants in a civil claim built around a teen driving wreck in Glendale if the accident is severe enough that insurance alone cannot cover all resulting damages.
If a teen driver gets in a wreck while operating a vehicle they independently own and hold insurance for, their parent(s) or guardian(s) would likely not be liable for the effects of that teen driver’s negligence to the same degree. However, this kind of scenario — as well as situations where a teenager operates their parent or guardian’s car without that adult’s permission or knowledge — can be complicated in legal terms, and a skilled attorney’s support can be crucial to sorting out who should be liable for ensuing damages.
Recovering Fairly Within Filing Deadlines
A lawsuit or settlement demand based on a Glendale teen driving wreck can seek compensation for all the same types of damages that a claim filed against a negligent adult driver could. This can include but is not strictly limited to things like:
- Medical expenses and car repair/replacement costs not already covered by insurance
- Lost work income, benefits, and/or earning capacity
- Physical discomfort and pain
- Emotional anguish and trauma
- Lost quality of life and other effects of permanent disability/disfigurement
Importantly, though, claims over teen driver crashes are also subject to the same standard “statute of limitations” as other auto accident cases. As per Arizona Revised Statutes §12-542, anyone who waits more than two years after getting injured through another person’s negligence will almost always be “time-barred” from ever seeking civil compensation for that particular injury.
Get Help From a Glendale Attorney With a Teen Driving Accident Claim
The idea of formally suing a teenager over a car crash may not be appealing to everyone who gets hurt in a wreck they did not cause. However, enforcing your right to civil recovery in a situation like this can be vital to protecting your long-term best interests — and on top of that, most claims of this nature focus more on the parents or guardians of negligent teens than on the teens themselves.
Regardless, support from a tenacious auto accident lawyer can make a huge difference in your ability to demand and ultimately receive the compensation you need. Call today to discuss your possible claim with a member of the Phillips Law Group team. Your initial consultation is always free, and you are under no obligation to work with us after this visit. Reach out today!
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