16 is the legal driving age in the United States. However, there’s a worrying trend of rash behavior by teenage drivers. The rate at which they’ve hiked the statistics of fatalities on the road is also alarming.
This is not to say that adults do not cause any fatalities of their own. But if you look at the statistics, you’ll realize that teenage drivers are more likely to put themselves and other road users at risk.
If you’ve been involved in an accident involving a teenager, you should consult a car accident lawyer to discuss your options.
Factors that Trigger Teen Driver Accidents
Here are the leading causes of accidents involving teenage drivers:
Intoxicated Driving
This isn’t just about alcohol. Drugs, including prescription medications, illegal substances, and even some over-the-counter medications, can slow reaction times and impair judgment.
Unfortunately, the idea of fun for most teenagers is experiencing the thrills of driving while under the influence. It’s particularly risky at night when they do not have clear vision. Disasters can occur in a split second.
Drowsy Driving
Early school starts and late nights can leave teens exhausted. Drowsy driving is just as dangerous as drunk driving because it affects reaction time and decision-making. Teens need to understand the importance of getting enough sleep and never driving when they’re tired.
Improper Seatbelt Usage
Seatbelts are the single most effective safety feature in a car. Unfortunately, many teens don’t use them regularly. A false sense of invincibility, peer pressure, or simply forgetting to buckle up can have deadly consequences.
If you have a teenager, always talk to them about the importance of wearing their seatbelt every single time they get in the car. Start training them from childhood to always wear seatbelts, and it’ll become a habit for them in their later years.
Group Trips
Having friends in the car can be a fun distraction, but they can also be a danger. Loud music, talking, or even peer pressure to drive recklessly can all contribute to an accident.
Can You Sue a Teenager?
You can sue a teenager if they caused your car accident, but there are some factors to consider:
- Minor Status: Teenagers are considered minors and cannot be held legally responsible for their actions in the same way adults can. However, this doesn’t mean that you can’t file lawsuits against them for car accidents.
- Liability: The lawsuit will likely target the teenager as the driver, but depending on the circumstances, it might also involve the teenager’s parents or guardians. Here’s why:
- Vicarious Liability: In many states, a legal concept called “” applies. This means parents or guardians can be held responsible for the actions of their minor children, including car accidents. If the teenager was driving with the parent’s permission, this rule has a higher chance of sticking.
- Negligent Entrustment: Another possibility is suing the parents for “negligent entrustment.” If the parents knowingly allowed the teenager to drive despite them being unfit or inexperienced, they can be held liable for any resulting accidents.
- Insurance: Most teenagers are likely insured under their parents’ car insurance policies. In most cases, the lawsuit would proceed against the teenager’s insurance company, which would then handle the claim based on the policy’s terms and coverage limits.
- Financial Recovery: Even if you win the lawsuit, collecting compensation from a teenager might be difficult. Teenagers typically don’t have significant assets, so recovering damages might rely solely on their insurance coverage.
Wrapping Up
Every parent has the moral obligation to raise their children as law-abiding citizens. If they fail in this aspect, they are setting themselves up to be held liable for any crimes these children commit, including causing a car accident.
As soon as you realize a teenager is responsible for your accident, reach out to your lawyer so you can begin the process of getting maximum compensation from the appropriate party.
