If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident involving a teenage driver, the experienced car accident attorneys at Hull & Zimmerman, P.C. are ready to provide legal support. Young drivers may be more inexperienced and prone to distractions, resulting in more frequent and often severe teen driving accidents in Northglenn.
Our dedicated lawyers understand the unique challenges these cases present, from insurance complications to liability questions surrounding the accident. We will work diligently to provide you with one-on-one attention to help you pursue full compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering, providing legal guidance throughout the entire process.
Why Are Teenage Drivers a Safety Risk?
Teenage drivers are more likely to cause accidents due to a combination of inexperience, risk-taking behavior, and distraction. Because they are still developing driving skills, teens often struggle to recognize and react to hazards quickly, especially in high-speed or complex traffic situations. They may also underestimate stopping distances or overestimate their ability to control a vehicle.
Additionally, peer pressure and social distractions, such as texting, talking with passengers, or using social media, increase the risk of crashes. Teen drivers are also more prone to speeding and reckless driving, particularly when driving at night or without adult supervision. Lack of familiarity with how weather or road conditions affect driving can also contribute to accidents.
According to safety studies, drivers ages 16 to 19 have some of the highest crash rates of any age group. If you have a teen driver accident claim, contact our Northglenn injury lawyers now.
Teenage Drivers Are Not Automatically at Fault
Even though teen drivers are riskier than the average motorist, you cannot presume they are automatically liable for an accident. You still need to prove fault, just like you would in any other case, and it is possible that another motorist was at fault for the crash with the teenage driver.
Accordingly, you must provide evidence that shows what the driver did to cause the accident, as opposed to merely having proof of the driver’s age. You can expect the insurance company to act aggressively to protect itself and its own interests, regardless of which of its policyholders was driving the vehicle at the time of the accident. You need a car accident attorney who can gather evidence that shows what caused the Northglenn crash with the young driver.
Can Parents Be Held Liable for a Teenage Driving Accident?
Under certain circumstances, the law may hold Northglenn parents liable for vehicle crashes caused by their teenage drivers. Colorado state law recognizes family purpose liability, which may hold a vehicle owner responsible if they knowingly provided a car to a minor or inexperienced driver who caused an accident. Parents could also face liability if they were negligent in supervising the teen, such as allowing a clearly unfit or intoxicated teen to drive.
Additionally, if the parent is the vehicle owner, their auto insurance policy may cover damages resulting from the accident, though limits and exclusions apply. Liability for damages can include:
- Property damage
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages from missed work
- Pain and suffering
Because these cases can be legally complex, it is important for parents and injured parties to consult an experienced car accident lawyer to understand potential responsibilities and ensure proper compensation is pursued.
Contact a Northglenn Attorney After a Collision With a Teenage Driver
Teen driving accidents in Northglenn can result in serious injuries. If a driving accident involving a teenager has impacted your life or the life of a loved one, seek legal help from a lawyer immediately to pursue financial compensation. Contact us to schedule a free initial consultation with a car accident attorney at Hull & Zimmerman, P.C. We will learn more about the facts of the accident and work with you to develop an effective legal strategy.
