Teen drivers are among the most inexperienced motorists on the road, making them more susceptible to crashes. Whether due to distractions, speeding, or lack of familiarity with road rules, a teen driving accident in Elsmere can result in serious injuries and lead to significant financial and emotional consequences.
Holding teen drivers responsible for these damages is not only economically fair, but it also helps them learn about responsibility and encourages them to practice safer driving. However, pursuing a claim when the wrongdoer is a teen can make you feel awkward or mean. Fortunately, you do not have to handle the negotiations on your own. An auto collision attorney at Doroshow, Pasquale, Krawitz, & Bhaya can handle the entire claims process for you.
Common Causes of Teen Driving Crashes
Teenagers are more likely to be involved in crashes due to risk factors such as:
Distracted Driving
Distractions are one of the leading causes of crashes involving teenage drivers in Elsmere. Like other drivers, teens are prone to distractions; however, they lack the experience to understand what level of distraction is safe. Texting, using social media, and talking to passengers can take a teen driver’s attention off the road.
Speeding
Additionally, young drivers are more likely to speed. They are unskilled in assessing risks and may underestimate the dangers of speeding while also overestimating how much time speeding will take off their trip. High-speed crashes are likely to result in severe injuries.
Lack of Experience
Many incidents involving teenage drivers are due to a lack of experience. A teen’s limited driving experience makes it challenging for them to react appropriately in dangerous situations. This is particularly true when their lack of experience is combined with unusual or dangerous driving conditions, such as bad weather or construction zones.
Drunk Driving
Driving while under the influence is dangerous for any driver. It is even riskier for teens, whose inexperience makes even mild impairment more dangerous. Also, teens are usually less experienced with substances and may not know how much they can drink or use before they are impacted.
Who Is Liable in a Teen Driving Crash?
Often, the teen driver is clearly at fault in a collision. In many cases, they are found to be negligent due to reckless or distracted driving. Of course, another driver in the wreck could be liable.
Usually, a driver has primary financial responsibility for their car; however, in some cases, a third party can be liable instead. In Elsmere teen driving crashes, third-party liability is straightforward to establish. Under Delaware’s parental responsibility laws, parents can be held liable for their teenager’s actions in certain situations, including car wrecks.
Alternatively, if someone else owns the teenager’s vehicle and allows them to drive it, they could also share liability for the wreck. This can become complicated if the vehicle owner has not given the teen express permission to drive it.
Talk to an Elsmere Lawyer About Your Collision Involving a Teen Driver
Teen driving accidents in Elsmere can lead to severe injuries, significant expenses, and ongoing stress. At Doroshow, Pasquale, Krawitz, & Bhaya, we have the experience to ensure you understand your rights after a car crash and help hold negligent drivers responsible. Schedule a case evaluation with us to find out more.