Teen drivers have less driving experience than adults and may react slower in an emergency. These young drivers might also engage in dangerous driving behaviors without fully understanding the consequences of their actions.
If a negligent driver injured you, one of our Orlando teen driver accident lawyers could help you seek compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, and other damages. We provide responsive legal care and go the extra mile for our clients. Contact us today for a free case review.
Teen Driver Accident Statistics
Teenage drivers are some of the most dangerous people on the road. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), teenagers are more likely than adults to make critical errors that can lead to serious accidents.
According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), there are several main causes of teen driver accidents in Florida. One of these is immaturity, as teenage drivers are less likely to understand the dangers and responsibilities of driving.
Additionally, many teen drivers engage in risky behaviors such as:
- Distracted driving
- Speeding
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
Legal Issues Surrounding Teen Driver Accidents
The legal issues can be complex when a teen driver is involved in a collision. Often, a parent or guardian may be held liable for damages.
Our law firm understands the unique challenges that come with these cases. In addition, our Orlando personal injury lawyers, who handle teen driver accidents, have the knowledge and resources to help you seek compensation for your injuries.
You Could Seek Compensation for Damages
We seek financial recovery for all of our clients. We will calculate the value of your injury case based on your past, present, and future damages. For example, compensation in your case could account for the following:
- Emergency medical care, ongoing treatment, and future care that your injuries may require
- Lost income and loss of future earning capacity (if you cannot return to work due to your injuries)
- Physical pain and suffering from your injuries
- Mental anguish and trauma from the accident
- Transportation costs
- Car replacement or repair costs
You could seek compensation for additional losses, depending on the nature of your injuries. For instance, if your accident affected your relationship with your spouse, you could include loss of consortium in your claim.
Your Case Must Abide by All Legal Deadlines
Florida Statutes § 95.11(3)(a) establishes the statute of limitations for filing your teen driver accident case in court. Under this deadline, you generally must file your lawsuit four years from your injury date.
If the driver is under 18, you will file your lawsuit against the teen’s parents, as they would assume liability for their minor child’s actions. However, failure to file on time can bar you from seeking damages.
If a loved one died from the accident, you have just two years to file a wrongful death lawsuit per Florida Statutes § 95.11(4)(d). If a loved one dies due to an accident, you have two years from the date of death to file a wrongful death claim.
It is important to consult with an experienced attorney as soon as possible to ensure that all necessary steps are taken within the time limit and to protect your legal rights.
We Can Prove Negligence in Your Car Accident Case
When a teenager causes a motor vehicle accident, it usually stems from negligent driving behaviors. However, drivers of all ages have a legal duty to exercise due care for the safety of others.
This duty includes following all traffic rules and acting reasonably under the circumstances. When drivers violate this duty of care, they can face liability for any injuries that they cause.
You must have evidence to show that the other driver acted negligently. You also must show that your injuries resulted in losses, including medical expenses, lost income, and more. Supporting information in your case could include the following:
- Your medical bills, records, and imaging scans
- Your car’s repair receipts
- The cash value of your car before it was totaled
- Testimony from your doctor
- Traffic camera footage
- The police report
- Witness testimony
- Statements from crash reconstruction specialists
- Photos of your injuries and the accident scene
- Emails between yourself and the liable insurer
We Can Determine Liability for Your Losses
Teen drivers can face liability for their negligence in causing traffic accidents that harm others. However, in some cases, the parents of teen drivers can also face liability if the accident injures others.
For example, teen drivers cannot get their licenses unless their parents sign the application. The signature of the parents that permits the teens to drive also makes them liable for any damage the teens cause while driving.
Furthermore, parents can face liability even after their teenage children become adults in some situations. For example, suppose an 18-year-old motorist is driving a vehicle registered to their parents when they cause a crash. In that case, the teen’s parents can also face liability for injuries resulting from the crash.
Our team can determine the identity of all potentially liable parties in your case.
We Can File Your Auto Accident Claim
Florida drivers must carry personal injury protection (PIP) insurance per § 627.736. So, if you’re involved in a crash, you would seek compensation from your insurer before filing a claim elsewhere.
However, if your injuries meet a certain threshold, you could file a claim with the other party’s insurer.
If we handle your case, we could:
- Communicate with the insurer.
- Give the insurer all relevant information.
- Prove negligence.
- Calculate your losses.
- Send your demand letter.
- Negotiate a settlement.
The four-year statute of limitations that we mentioned earlier applies to lawsuits. Your accident claim will come with its own set of deadlines, as decided by the liable insurer.
We Can File Your Lawsuit
Our car accident attorneys know how to navigate the legal process. We’ll file a lawsuit if the insurer doesn’t pay for your losses. This situation will require us to:
- File your case to the appropriate circuit.
- Understand the severity of your injuries and the cost of your damages.
- Prove negligence.
- Identify the at-fault party.
- Exchange evidence with the other party.
- Build and argue your case.
We will continue negotiating for a settlement even after the court proceedings begin.
What Should You Do After Being Injured in a Collision?
When clients ask us for advice following their accidents, we tell them to do the following:
Get Medical Help
Seeking medical attention after a collision does the following:
- Connects your injuries to the teen driving accident
- Allows you to gain insight into your recovery period and diagnosis
- Creates evidence to build your case, like x-rays, lab tests, and a diagnosis from a doctor or other medical professional
The other party might argue that you’re not injured. However, taking the above steps can prove otherwise.
Stay Off Social Media
While your case develops, we recommend against the following:
- Posting videos or photos online
- Making posts about your injuries or the accident
- Accepting friend requests from people you don’t know
- Joining groups related to your case
- Privately messaging the involved parties
If you think the claims adjuster can’t see your posts, think again. They could access your posts by creating fake social media profiles or using their friends’ accounts.
Avoid Accepting the First Settlement Offer
After reviewing your claim, the insurer will likely have these two goals:
- To pay you as little money as possible
- To resolve your claim as quickly as possible
The first offer won’t take into account your future losses. But, with our legal team’s help, we can explain a fair settlement offer in your case.
Types of Teen Driver Accidents We Handle
We understand the havoc teen drivers can wreak on the road. And we are dedicated to helping accident victims after a crash caused by a careless teenager.
Our Orlando teen driver accident lawyers handle a wide range of cases involving teen drivers, including:
- Rear-end collisions: Teen drivers may be more likely to be involved in rear-end collisions due to inexperience.
- Head-on collisions: Teens may hit other vehicles head-on due to their lack of experience and judgment.
- Rollover accidents: Teen drivers may roll their vehicles due to driving over the speed limit or making sharp turns.
- Distracted driving accidents: Teenagers may be prone to distraction due to engaging in texting and other forms of communication while driving.
- Drunk Driving Accidents: Teen drivers could be driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, which is dangerous at any age.
Our experienced attorneys can help you get fair compensation regardless of accident type. We will investigate the crash, review all evidence, and negotiate with insurance companies to ensure you receive a fair settlement.
Our Law Firm Is Committed To Helping Florida Accident Victims
At our law firm, we understand the devastating effects of a car accident. We are committed to helping Florida accident victims and their families seek justice and compensation for their losses.
Our team of experienced Orlando auto accident lawyers has extensive experience in handling cases involving teen drivers. We understand that these collisions can be devastating due to the young driver’s inexperience.
We can evaluate your case for free if you or a loved one has been injured in a crash as a driver or passenger. When you hire us to handle your case, we will work hard to ensure that you receive the maximum compensation for your losses.
Contact Us About Your Teen Driver Accident in Orlando Today
After being involved in a car accident, it is important to remember that insurance providers are not always looking out for your best interests. They may try to settle for less than what your injuries are worth, leaving you with medical bills and other expenses you can’t afford.
The teen driver accident attorneys at Anidjar & Levine are here to help with your legal concerns when you need us most. So please focus on getting better while we handle everything else. Contact us today to get started with a free consultation.
We Can Help.
