Teen driver car accidents are among the most common type of traffic collisions. Per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), teenage car accidents may be particularly common due to driver inexperience.
Have you recently been hit by a teen driver in Phoenix? If so, you may have questions about how the age of the motorist who caused the crash will influence any future legal proceedings.
Understanding the Unique Challenges
When someone causes a wreck in Arizona, they are typically liable for injuries resulting from the crash. Victims can seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and many other related losses by filing a claim with the at-fault motorist’s insurance. They may also file lawsuits if the motorist doesn’t have insurance or their insurer won’t offer a fair settlement.
However, the situation gets more complicated if the person who hit you was under 18 and therefore unable to purchase insurance themselves.
Legal Considerations for Youth Driver Accidents
The Arizona Supreme Court recently addressed a case regarding whether a minor’s parents can be vicariously liable for crashes and injuries their teen driver causes. The court reaffirmed Arizona’s “family purpose doctrine” by deciding that the parents are liable even in cases when young drivers cause crashes while violating driving restrictions that their parents imposed on them.
This particular case involved a teen driver causing a wreck while violating limitations his parents had tried to place on his driving privileges. Even though the parent had attempted to prevent the teen from driving prior to the accident, per the Arizona Supreme Court, they are still liable.
Steps to Take After a Car Crash with a Young Driver
You can protect yourself and your rights after a teen driving accident by:
- Checking yourself for injuries
- Moving to a spot away from traffic
- Checking to see if the other drivers or passengers involved in the wreck need assistance
- Calling 911 to report the crash
- Calmly exchanging contact and insurance information with the other drivers
- Remembering not to say you’re sorry or giving any other indication the wreck is your fault
- Cooperating with police while they investigate the crash
- Getting the names and contact information of witnesses
- Taking pictures of the wreck from multiple angles
- Taking pictures of your injuries
- Seeing a doctor on the day of the crash
- Contacting insurance companies
Remember, you don’t have to handle your insurance claim or eventual legal case yourself. A teen car accidents lawyer can offer the representation you may need in these unique circumstances.
Contact Our Phoenix Car Accident Attorney for More Information
Navigating your legal options after a teen car accident is much easier when you have the guidance of a seasoned legal professional. The team at Silkman Law Firm is standing by to investigate the accident and advise you on your options for compensation, which could include a claim against the teen’s parents. Next, we can pursue that compensation on your behalf, so that you have the time and space to focus on your health. Contact us today for a free consultation with a Phoenix car accident attorney, and let’s get started.
