Teen driver accidents in Florida are a serious concern, as 18- and 19-year-old drivers are involved in more motor vehicle crashes than any other age group, according to the Teen Safe Driving Coalition. This reality underscores the importance of having an experienced teen driver accident lawyer on your side after a collision.
Who is responsible for crash-related injuries? How are minor driver accident claims handled? This guide answers these questions and more to help Florida families better understand their rights and options after a teen driving accident.
Three Common Causes of Teen Car Crashes
Why are teen driver accidents in Florida so common? It often boils down to a few factors that don’t impact other drivers as much. Check out some common causes of accidents that teenage car crash attorneys typically see in cases.
1. Distractions
Several distractions can cause a driver to lose control of their vehicle and collide with another object, including:
● Using a cell phone
● Eating while driving
● Fumbling with the radio
● Talking to other passengers
If you’re hurt in a crash caused by a distracted underage driver, legal help is crucial for recovering financial compensation.
2. Inexperience Behind the Wheel
Teenagers may feel invincible once they hit the road. In reality, their lack of driving experience can be detrimental. Teen driver accidents in Florida may occur if they encounter an unfamiliar situation and panic or forget a basic rule of the road that other motorists are accustomed to.
3. Drinking and Driving
Minors under the influence of alcohol while behind the wheel endanger themselves and other motorists. A teen driver accident lawyer looks to hold the responsible party accountable for injuries caused by the impaired motorist, such as:
● Traumatic brain injuries
● Fractures
● Lacerations
● Wrongful death
Who Is Liable in a Car Crash Involving a Teenage Driver?
Since Florida is a no-fault state, each motorist injured in a minor accident must file a claim with their auto insurance company. If you’re seeking compensation that exceeds your insurance coverage, consider hiring a high school driver crash lawyer. They’ll review evidence supporting your claim to determine liability and negotiate with the defendant’s insurer.
Say a newly licensed 16-year-old rear-ends your vehicle, causing whiplash and extensive property damage. In this case, the person behind the wheel would bear the majority of the responsibility, but their parent or guardian may also be at fault. Car owners are seen as partially responsible if they allow someone to operate their vehicles.
What To Expect When Seeking Teen Auto Accident Legal Representation
Was your child involved in a car crash as a novice driver? Insurance companies may use your child’s inexperience as a factor when settling a claim, but a teen driver accident lawyer from our firm can guide you through this process.
Every young driver injury lawyer understands the nuances of teen driver accidents in Florida. They’ll take clients through the following steps:
● Initial Consultation: You’ll be able to speak with an attorney to review your case and have them recommend the next steps, such as filing an insurance claim or opening a civil lawsuit.
● Evidence Collection and Review: Lawyers must gather relevant evidence about the crash, such as police reports, photos of the scene, and vehicle repair receipts.
● Negotiations: Once they have sufficient evidence, lawyers negotiate with insurers for a fair settlement.
Consult a Teen Driver Accident Lawyer Today
Negotiating claims with car insurance companies can be a hassle. Don’t tackle this burden alone; let Hancock Injury Attorneys help. We advocate for our injured clients and build a compelling case to recover economic and non-economic damages.
Call us at (813-915-1110 to schedule a free consultation with one of our teen driver accident lawyers today.