Everybody knows that most teenagers are excited to hit the roads for the first time and experience how it feels to drive on major roads and highways. Turning the legal age for driving, which is 15 to 16 for a learner’s permit in most states, can feel like it is a long time away for many. This is why, sometimes, an underage driver will get behind the wheel of a car without an adult present. This can be a dangerous act that leads to serious injuries or even fatal results when an accident occurs.
At Maison Law, we are prepared to assist victims of car accidents and will stand by your side no matter the circumstances leading up to your accident. It is crucial that you contact a California car accident lawyer immediately following your accident to get started on your claim.
Understanding California Teen Driving Laws
California has been setting laws regarding teen drivers over the years. In 2006, California introduced specific laws to restrict teen drivers from engaging in dangerous activities behind the wheel. Teenagers can’t obtain their learner’s permit until they are 15 ½ but will still have to have a licensed driver of at least 25 years or older in the passenger’s seat. When a teenager turns 16, they are capable of applying for a provisional driver’s license and will be able to drive alone with certain restrictions.
Some of the restrictions that teenagers face in California as a driver include the following:
- Restrictions on passengers under the age of 20 sitting in the vehicle with a teen
- Curfews between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m.
- No using a cell phone unless there is a real emergency
- Zero-tolerance DUI laws
The reason why there are restrictions on teen drivers is due to the fact that teens are inexperienced compared to other drivers. The Institute for Highway Safety states that it is three times more likely for a teenager to become involved in a fatal collision than those who are over the age of 20. When a teen violates any of these stated laws, there is a higher chance that they could become involved in an injurious or fatal collision.
Can You Sue a Teenage Driver After a Car Accident They Caused?
What happens if you become involved in a car accident with a teenage driver who is not licensed? There are many reasons why this would happen, from teenagers who are on a joyride with their parent’s vehicle to a teen who stole somebody else’s vehicle. Even though the circumstances of your claim can be confusing and overwhelming, there are options for you when it comes to your financial recovery.
The best way to receive damages after you have been hurt in an accident involving a teen driver is to file a claim through the insurance company of the teen’s parents. In most cases, a teen’s parents will provide insurance for the vehicle. Because California is an at-fault state, you will have to prove that the teen’s negligence led to your accident and injuries.
In some cases, a parent could be held liable for their teen’s actions if they led to an accident. This is especially common in cases where a parent gave the teenager consent to drive their vehicle. Though this typically happens when the teen is of driving age, a parent sometimes gives permission to a child who is unlicensed, which can lead to serious results.
What to Do After You Have Been Injured in a California Car Accident Involving a Teen Driver
If you are in an accident involving a teen driver, there are some steps that you should take to protect your best interests now and in the future. These include the following:
Call the Police: It is important to always call the police after a car accident, especially if there was an underage driver involved. Police will be able to guide you through the next steps in your case, from exchanging insurance information to making up a police report. The teen could face charges as a result of the accident and their negligence.
Take Photographs: Photographs and video evidence can protect your rights further on down the line when you bring a personal injury claim. Photos can be some of the best evidence for proving fault due to the damages your vehicle sustained and injuries you have suffered from.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Even if you don’t believe that you were seriously injured, you should always seek emergency medical attention. Not only can this protect your health and well-being, but it can be evidence to use in a claim in the future if you have actually received serious injuries. It shows that you were taking your health seriously.
Lastly, it can be beneficial to speak with a personal injury attorney about your case. Having an attorney on your side is not required but it is still important if you have been seriously injured in your accident or know that the other party is liable for your claim based on the circumstances. It is important that you understand your rights moving forward.
Contacting a California Car Accident Lawyer
If you have fallen victim to a car accident involving an underage driver, you have options moving forward. At Maison Law, we work diligently to protect the rights of those who have sustained harm in a life-altering car accident in California. We will look at the circumstances of your claim and help you determine if you are eligible for various types of financial support so that you can get back on your feet. Contact us today to discuss your options with a knowledgeable California car accident lawyer during these overwhelming times.
