Maison Law helps anyone injured in a car accident in California. You can be involved in a car accident any time you get behind the wheel. But it’s often who you’re sharing the road with that will make it more likely to be involved in one. Of these, young, teenage drivers are some of the most likely to cause an accident. When this happens, contact our team for a free consultation to talk about your options.
Why Do Young Drivers Cause Car Accidents in California?
When it comes to being a teenager, driving is one of their first experiences with being independent. While this is indeed an exciting time, it’s often this lack of control and oversight that can lead to a car accident. So, it’s not all that surprising that young drivers are the seventh leading cause of car accidents in California.
According to data from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS), fatal car accidents among those aged 15-20 in California increased by 14.8% between 2020 and 2021.
But even with statistics, it’s important to look at some of the underlying reasons that young drivers are usually involved in car accidents in California:
- Lack of experience -Young drivers often lack the experience needed to handle tricky situations on the road. In California’s busy traffic, this inexperience can make it hard for them to react quickly, increasing the risk of accidents. They might struggle with judging distances, understanding speeds, or predicting what other drivers will do.
- Overconfidence – Many young drivers feel more confident in their driving skills than they should. This overconfidence can lead them to take unnecessary risks, like speeding or making sharp turns. In California, where driving conditions can be challenging, this can easily result in accidents. Overconfident drivers may also ignore traffic rules and safety measures.
- Distracted driving – Young drivers are more likely to get distracted by their phones, music, or talking to friends while driving. In California’s heavy traffic, even a brief distraction can cause serious accidents. They may not realize how dangerous it is to take their eyes off the road, leading to collisions or running red lights.
- Peer pressure – Peer pressure can influence how younger people drive, especially when they have friends in the car. In California, this often leads to risky behavior, like speeding or trying to impress their passengers. This pressure can make them take dangerous risks they wouldn’t take if they were alone, increasing the chance of an accident.
You never want to be involved in a car accident, whether it’s with a young driver or anyone else. Unfortunately, accidents happen all too often. That’s why it’s crucial to know how to respond correctly if it does happen.
Who’s Responsible For a Car Accident With a Teen or Young Driver?
Any car accident has a certain process when there’s injuries involved. But when the other driver involved is a teen, the process can get a bit more complicated. This is because, under most circumstances, the teen that’s driving the car at the time doesn’t own it.
This doesn’t change your legal rights, but it can make it more difficult to figure out who’s responsible. Once a young driver is licensed, they are held to the same legal standards as any other driver. If they cause an accident, they are liable for the damages.
However, the adult who owns the car may also be held responsible under “vicarious liability.” This means the car owner shares liability for your injuries and losses due to the accident. But like any car accident It’s also possible for others beyond the young driver and the car owner to share liability, such as:
- Other drivers involved
- Car manufacturers or parts makers
- Government agencies
- Passengers or pedestrians
No matter who ends up being responsible for the accident, it’s important to do everything you can to put together a strong claim. This means getting medical help right away, calling the local police for help at the scene, getting insurance information from the young driver, and gathering pictures and videos at the accident scene. All of this information strengthens your claim for damages.
Legal Guidance From Experienced California Car Accident Lawyers
If you’ve been injured in a car accident caused by a young driver, you might wonder if you need a lawyer. While minor accidents might seem straightforward, cases involving teen drivers can be more complicated due to their lack of experience and tricky liability issues. That’s where our team comes in. We can help by:
- Explaining your legal rights and options
- Investigating the accident to identify who’s responsible
- Gathering important evidence, like photos and medical records
- Speaking with witnesses to strengthen your case
- Negotiating with insurance companies and the other party’s lawyers
Our main goal is to make the process as easy as we can for you. We offer free consultations and work on a contingency basis, so you won’t have to pay anything upfront. Contact us today to set up your free consultation
