When a teenager gets their driver’s license and hits the road alone in a car for the first time, it marks a milestone for the entire family. While the teen usually embraces the opportunity for freedom, for parents, it might produce more dread than excitement. Even when you trust your teen to drive safely and make good choices, you may have a fear of what could happen when they are riding in their friends’ cars.
At Colling Gilbert Wright, we represent people injured in teen driving accidents in DeLand. Our experienced car crash attorneys have substantial experience handling complex vehicle accident cases, and we have an impressive record of obtaining excellent outcomes for our clients. Many area law firms and other professionals recommend us to their clients and loved ones who need exceptional representation in a personal injury case.
Teens Cause a Disproportionate Number of Accidents
It takes time to become a safe driver, and even the most responsible teen can make an error in judgment that leads to a serious accident. Teenage drivers cause a significant percentage of serious car accidents that cause severe injuries or fatalities. Florida has a graduated licensing system for teens with an aim toward reducing the teen accident rate.
At 15, a teen can get a learner’s permit if they have their parents’ permission, have taken the Driver Education Traffic Safety (DETS) course, pass a written knowledge test, and pass vision and hearing tests. Before teens can take the Class E driver’s license exam, they must:
- Complete 50 hours of supervised driving, at least 10 hours must be at night
- Hold the learner’s permit for at least one year
- Be at least 16
- Not have an adjudicated moving violation while holding the learner’s permit
Teens may not drive between 10 pm and 6 am, and may not drive after dark at all during the first three months they have their learner’s permit.
When you are injured by a teen driver in DeLand, the auto accident attorneys and investigation team at The Florida Firm will determine whether they were complying with the terms of their learner’s permit or license when the accident occurred. If not, their non-compliance is proof of negligence, and they may owe you damages.
When Are Parents Liable for Their Teen’s Wreck?
Like all drivers, teens must have insurance to drive legally. Because a teen cannot sign an insurance contract until they turn 18, they are typically added to their parents’ auto insurance policies. This can be good news for someone who is injured because parents often have more robust coverage than a teen could afford if they were buying it themselves.
A parent might be responsible for the harm their teen caused, even if the teen is 18 or older or has their own insurance. Parents may be liable if the vehicle is shared or belongs to a parent. A parent also might be responsible for a teen’s accident if the child still lives at home and is financially dependent.
The DeLand teen driver car crash lawyers at our firm are committed to obtaining the most generous compensation package possible in the circumstances, so we will pursue parents when it serves your case. We are well-known for obtaining large verdicts and settlements in all types of vehicle accident cases.
Relevant Timeframes for Legal Claims Involving Teen Drivers
Florida Statutes § 95.11 sets the statute of limitations for personal injury cases. Adults must file lawsuits within two years of sustaining an injury.
If you or your child was under 18 when the injury occurred, you have two years from your 18th birthday to file a lawsuit. However, it is easier and more efficient to build a case soon after an accident, so it is usually advisable for a parent or guardian to bring suit on the child’s behalf within two years of the injury.
It is wise to consult our DeLand attorneys as quickly as possible after a wreck involving a teen. They can review your case, begin collecting evidence, and handle all communications with the at-fault driver and their insurance company.
Talk to Our DeLand Attorneys If You or Your Child Was Hurt by a Teen Driver
Pursuing claims for teen driving accidents in DeLand is more complicated than other vehicle collision cases. You can count on our experienced team at The Florida Firm to handle your case efficiently and effectively.
We work solely on a contingency basis, which means you owe us nothing until we successfully conclude your case. Reach out to our case accident intake specialists today to schedule a free consultation.