Not every driver between the ages of 16 and 20 will act irresponsibly behind the wheel every time they operate a motor vehicle, nor will they necessarily all drive in ways that make it obvious how inexperienced they are in this regard. That said, it is a statistical fact that teen drivers are more likely to be involved in traffic collisions than adult drivers, and when they do wind up causing wrecks, seeking financial recovery from a teenager can be a uniquely complex process.
Fortunately, you have support from compassionate legal professionals with decades of experience helping people like you through cases like yours all over the Phoenix metro area. If you have been hurt in a teen driving accident in Peoria, which you were not at fault for, getting the help of a car accident lawyer from Phillips Law Group should be among your top priorities.
Can Parents Be Held Liable for Teen Driver Negligence?
For the most part, teen drivers are not the legal owners or primary insurers of vehicles they drive on public Arizona roads, so both civil and insurance liability for wrecks caused by teen drivers in Peoria generally lies with that teenager’s parent(s) or legal guardian(s). In situations like this, pursuing financial restitution after the wreck works more or less the same as it does for most other auto accident claims, except for the fact that the injured party seeking compensation will not be dealing directly with the person who was directly involved in and at fault for their injuries.
Arizona’s “parental responsibility” laws hold parents “strictly liable” for harm caused by their children’s “willful or malicious actions.” For example, if a minor causes a traffic collision while driving drunk or significantly exceeding the speed limit, the parents may be held accountable. Notably, while these claims do not require plaintiffs to prove negligence by the parents, they do not allow recovery for non-economic damages such as physical pain and suffering.
What to Do After a Wreck Caused by a Teenager
Being involved in a traffic collision is always stressful, but teen drivers are often especially shaken—and, unfortunately, may be more likely to flee the scene or fail to comply with state law. However, even if a teen driver commits a “hit and run” after causing a crash in Peoria, it is crucial for everyone else involved to remain at the scene, check on others’ well-being, and contact police and emergency services to avoid legal trouble themselves.
Along similar lines, it can be essential to write down identifying details about teen drivers and their vehicles after being involved in a crash with one, since teen drivers may not know what type of insurance their parents have or where things like registration documents are inside the vehicle. If needed, a qualified attorney can use information like license plate numbers and physical descriptions to track down a teen driver and get the details needed to pursue further recovery on an injured person’s behalf.
A Peoria Attorney Can Help Sue Over a Teen Driving Accident
Suing a teenager over a traffic wreck is likely nobody’s idea of a good time, but it can sometimes be necessary if that teenager causes a crash, resulting in serious injuries to other people involved. Fortunately, it is also something that can be a lot easier to accomplish in both personal and legal terms than you might expect, provided that you have representation from an experienced legal professional.
Phillips Law Group is proud to have more than 30 years of local ownership and operation in the Phoenix metro area, and our car accident lawyers are ready to help you get the best possible case outcome following a teen driving accident in Peoria. Call today to discuss your options with a member of our legal team.
Available 24/7