Teen Driving Accidents in Tucson

Getting a driver’s license and gaining independence is a big event in a teenager’s life. For parents, it can be the cause of both pride and worry. With good reason—parents can be held responsible for their teen’s accidents in many cases.

The attorneys at Phillips Law Group represent the victims of teen driving accidents in Tucson. Contact us if you or your child was hurt in a car accident caused by a teenage driver.

Teens Are Often At Fault for Crashes

Teenagers are responsible for a disproportionately high number of car accidents each year. This is partly due to the fact that their brains are still developing, making them more prone to risk-taking and distraction. Another key factor is their limited driving experience — safe driving is a skill that improves with practice and time spent behind the wheel.

Arizona’s graduated licensing requirements attempt to force teens to gain experience before they are permitted to drive in situations that pose more risk. A 15-year-old can obtain a learner’s permit but can only drive with a licensed driver 21 or older in the car with them. A 16-year-old can obtain a provisional license permitting them to drive alone but still cannot drive between midnight and 6 am or with more than one passenger younger than 18.

When a crash occurs, and the police investigate, they may cite the teen driver for a violation of traffic law or a violation of the limitations on their license. Any citation is proof of negligence that a Tucson attorney can use to establish a claim against the teen driver for losses suffered in the accident.

Establishing Liability When a Teen Is At  Fault

Under Arizona law, the insurance company of the driver at fault for an accident must pay the losses of other parties. Teen drivers who are not yet 18 cannot buy their own insurance. They must be covered on their parent’s policy.

Insurance typically follows the car, so the parents’ insurer should be liable if the teen causes an accident. When the insurance coverage is insufficient to cover an injured person’s losses, the parents can be held personally liable. In an appropriate situation, an injured person could sue for a judgment against the parents and place a lien on their bank accounts, home, vehicles, and other property.

Arizona Revised Statute §12-661 makes parents financially responsible for their minor children’s willful or malicious actions. The statute could apply if a teen driver injured someone while racing, driving while impaired, or engaging in other reckless conduct. A Tucson attorney could explain whether an injured person might seek relief under the statute in a teen driving accident claim.

Securing Compensation When the Driver Is an Older Teen

Challenging situations sometimes arise after a teenager turns 18. Although they are a legal adult, these young drivers may still live with their parents and be financially dependent on them.

Once a teen reaches 18, they are legally able to sign contracts and may purchase their own insurance. Insurance for teenage drivers is expensive, and many buy minimum coverage. The coverage may be inadequate if the teen causes an accident that leads to significant injuries.

When a young driver’s insurance coverage is likely to be insufficient, a Tucson attorney could investigate to determine if the teen’s parents might be liable for the wreck. This situation could arise if the parents owned the car or knowingly allowed the young driver to operate a vehicle in violation of a conditional license.

Consult a Tucson Attorney If You Were Injured By a Teen Driver

Young drivers cause more than their fair share of accidents. People who are injured in these wrecks sometimes face challenges as they seek fair compensation.

Phillips Law Group represents people hurt in teen driving accidents in Tucson. We have been obtaining excellent results for people in this community for almost 30 years. We offer free consultation, so make an appointment today to learn more.