Teen drivers may not only be a danger to themselves but to other drivers as well. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), car accidents are the leading cause of death for young drivers. Teen driver accidents can also result in serious injuries to other drivers, passengers, and pedestrians. If you or a loved one has been injured in a teen driver accident, you need a capable Los Angeles car accident attorney in your corner.
At Saeedian Law Group, we have extensive experience handling teen driver accidents. Obtaining a driver’s license is a rite of passage for many teenagers, but driving is a serious responsibility. We know many people are not aware that parents of teenagers can be held responsible for injuries caused by their children. When a teen driver accident results in injuries, victims have a right to just compensation.
When you consult with us, we will take the time to explore all your legal options. Lead attorney Michael Saeedian has in-depth knowledge of the negligence and insurance laws that apply to teen driver accidents and will work to protect your interests. Contact our office today for a free evaluation of your case.
Top Causes of Teen Driver Accidents in Los Angeles
There are several factors involved in teen driving accidents. Not only do teenagers lack driving experience, but they are also more likely to underestimate dangerous situations than experienced drivers. Teens are more likely to make bad decisions that lead to crashes, such as speeding and allowing shorter braking distances with vehicles traveling ahead. Our teen driver accident lawyers, who have extensive experience handling such cases, have identified the primary factors that contribute to teen driver accidents are:
Distracted Driving
Lack of driving experience makes teens more susceptible to distracted driving. The NHTSA reports that one in three teens say they text while driving. Talking or texting takes a teen’s focus off of driving and significantly reduces their ability to react to road conditions, hazards, incidents, or bad weather.
Speeding and Reckless Driving
Teenagers’ lack of experience and immaturity affect their judgment, making them more likely to speed and drive recklessly, unaware of the danger to themselves and others. Speeding and reckless driving significantly increase the risk of accidents not only for teens but for all drivers.
Driving Under the Influence
Despite the fact that the legal drinking age in California is 21, teens are prone to drink and drugged driving. While the blood alcohol content (BAC) level for DUI is 0.8 for an adult, there is no tolerance for drinking and driving by teenagers and they can be charged with DUI for having any detectable level of alcohol in their system.
Why Parents May Be Liable
A parent or legal guardian must sign a consent form to allow a child under the age of 18 to drive. In doing so, the parent(s) assumes liability for any accident their teen drivers cause. The legal term for this is “parental liability.” Parents are only released from liability when the child turns 18. Parents can also withdraw their consent at any time, but their teenager immediately loses their driving privileges.
In addition, parents who lend their cars to a teenager may also be held vicariously liable if their child causes a car accident. Finally, parents may also be held liable under the theory of negligent entrustment if their child with prior DUIs or known alcohol and drug problems causes an accident.
How Saeedian Law Group Can Help
If you or a loved one has been injured in a teen driver accident, it takes a skilled Los Angeles car accident attorney to protect your rights. To have a valid claim, it is necessary to prove that the teenager’s negligence or recklessness caused the car accident that resulted in your injuries. You can trust our legal team to:
- Investigate and photograph the accident site
- Obtain and review police reports
- Interview witnesses, including the teen driver and his or her parents
- Subpoena the teenager’s cell phone records
- Collect medical evidence to support your claim
- Negotiate with the car owner’s insurance company
We are committed to helping you recover damages for your medical expenses, past and future lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses. Rest assured, your interests will be protected at all times.
Contact An Experienced Los Angeles Teen Driver Accident Attorney
Although you may be reluctant to pursue a personal injury claim if you have been injured due to a teen driver accident, you deserve compensation for your injuries and financial losses. Contact us today so we can start working on your claim.
