Inexperienced Teen Driver Car Accident Lawyers in Minnesota
Injured by a teen driver in MN? Get a free case evaluationWhy Are Accident Rates Higher for Teen Drivers?
Because of their inexperience, teens are far less likely than older drivers to recognize and evaluate dangerous driving conditions and make critical decisions to avoid a car accident.
Although adults are also guilty of distracted driving—texting, emailing, talking on the phone, checking social media, and viewing GPS—teens who have friends in the car are far more likely to be distracted. A 2019 National Youth Risk Behavior study reported that 39.0% of teen drivers texted or emailed while driving.
Many teens are not yet fully conscious of the consequences of dangerous driving and they are more likely to speed and are less likely to allow enough safe space between vehicles before switching lanes. This behaviour can be dangerous and cause serious injury to innocent victims if they cause an accident.
You Need A Teen Driver Accident Lawyer When You’ve Been Injured MN
An overview of why teens may be more likely to cause car accidents:
- Inexperience
- Poor judgment
- Faulty responses
- Lack of appropriate reaction
- Distracted driving
- Careless, reckless driving
- Drowsy driving
- Impaired driving
- Underestimating dangerous conditions
- Risk taking
Top 4 Frightening Teen Driving Facts
- Drivers between ages 16 and 19 are nearly nine times more likely to have an accident than an adult.
- According to a National Survey, 61% of teenagers admit to risky driving habits.
- Car accidents are the leading cause of teenage fatalities.
- Teens have poorer judgment about dangerous driving conditions or fail to recognize them.
How Do You Establish Negligent Teenage Driving?
If you or a loved one were injured or killed because of a teen driver’s negligent or reckless operation of their vehicle, you are entitled to file a claim with their insurance company or initiate a lawsuit to recover your damages. To do so, you will be required to establish that the teenage driver was at fault because of their negligence.
Teen Driving Accident Minnesota Lawyers
To prove that a teen driver was at fault for the accident that caused you injuries, you must prove that they breached their “duty of reasonable care.” This phrase means that all drivers are required by law to operate their vehicles conscientiously to avoid injuring others. You and your Minnesota car accident attorney must prove that the teen driver who injured you failed to use a duty of reasonable care.
Once you’ve established the teen’s liability in the car accident that injured you, you are entitled to recover monetary losses—ambulance, emergency room, hospitalization, physicians’ fees, rehabilitation costs, lost income –and non-monetary damages — pain and suffering, diminished quality of life, and loss of consortium, as well as other damages.
Though they should be, not all teen drivers are insured. Even if they didn’t have their own policy, they may be included on their parents’ insurance policy. A parent is often considered under the law to have “vicarious liability” for their teenager’s negligence.
Talk to Teen Minnesota Car Accident Attorneys for Help
While a teen may not have assets to cover your financial damages you may be able to recover damages through their insurance coverage or the parents and their insurance carrier.
A parent can be held responsible for the accident their teenager caused under a legal concept called “negligent entrustment.” Suppose the parent negligently allowed their teen to drive when they knew they weren’t yet experienced or responsible enough. In that case, they can be considered to have provided them with a dangerous instrument. Since the teen may have been an inexperienced driver or had been in previous accidents and the parent knew this but still provided the car keys that lead to an injurious crash, they may be held liable for your damages.
Collecting Car Accident Damages is Not Always So Cut-and-Dry—That’s When You Need A Skilled MN Personal Injury Attorney Team to Secure Your Rights
Collecting damages from a teen or their parents can be a complicated matter. Utilizing the assistance of knowledgeable, skilled car accident attorneys will be to your advantage. The attorneys at Sieben Edmunds Miller have decades of combined experience winning difficult and challenging car accident settlements and verdicts.
Talk to Sieben Edmunds Miller Car Accident Lawyers About Your Case During A No-Obligation, No-Cost Initial Consultation
For your free consultation and case review, it’s simple to contact us. Just call (651) 994-6744 or email us on this contact form, and we will get back to you promptly.
Frequently Asked Questions about Teen Driver Accidents in Minnesota
Sieben Edmunds Miller
What are some common factors that contribute to accidents involving inexperienced teen drivers?
Accidents involving inexperienced teen drivers can be attributed to various factors, including lack of experience, poor judgment, distracted driving (such as texting or talking on the phone), reckless behavior, speeding, drowsy driving, and impaired driving (such as driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs).
How can I determine if a teen driver was negligent in causing the accident?
Can parents be held liable for accidents caused by their teen drivers?
What damages can I recover in a car accident claim involving an inexperienced teen driver?
How can an attorney help me with my car accident claim against an inexperienced teen driver?
What should I do if I've been injured in an accident involving an inexperienced teen driver?
If you’ve been injured in an accident involving an inexperienced teen driver, seek medical attention for your injuries and report the accident to the appropriate authorities. Document the scene of the accident, gather contact information from witnesses, and consult with an attorney as soon as possible to protect your rights.
Is there a time limit for filing a car accident claim against an inexperienced teen driver?
Yes, there is a statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim in Minnesota, typically two years from the date of the accident. It’s essential to consult with an attorney promptly to ensure compliance with all applicable deadlines and preserve your right to pursue compensation.
What if the inexperienced teen driver was uninsured or underinsured?
If the inexperienced teen driver was uninsured or underinsured, you may still be able to pursue a claim for compensation through your own insurance coverage, such as uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. An attorney can help you explore all available options for recovery.
Can I still pursue a claim if I was partially at fault for the accident involving an inexperienced teen driver?
How long does it take to resolve a car accident claim involving an inexperienced teen driver?
If you have any further questions or need assistance with your vehicle accident case, please don’t hesitate to contact us for a free case evaluation. We’re here to help you navigate the legal process and seek justice for your injuries.
Get a Free Case Evaluation
We are here to help. Let us evaluate your case for you. Free of charge – no obligation. Complete our free case evaluation form or call us directly at (651) 994-6744.
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