Teen driving accidents in Lake County occur far more frequently than those caused by adults. Teen drivers are excited to take to the road and make the most of their new skills. Unfortunately, they have a greater risk of causing accidents than other drivers due to their lack of experience. Teen drivers are also more likely to suffer from distractions behind the wheel or to struggle to respond in potentially hazardous situations. If you sustained injuries in an accident with a teen driver, you may have the right to compensation for your damages. After a teen driving accident, contact an experienced car accident attorney for a free case review.
Why Teens Cause More Accidents
Teen driving crashes in Lake County often result in serious injuries. Teen drivers may cause accidents with more severe consequences due to their lack of experience in responding to road hazards. They are more likely to overreact, such as pressing the gas pedal instead of the brake or turning too sharply to avoid a collision. Additionally, some teen drivers engage in reckless behavior because they do not fully grasp the risks involved. As a result, accidents involving teen drivers can lead to more serious injuries than those involving adult drivers.
Seeking Compensation After an Accident With a Teen Driver
Florida is a no-fault state for car accidents, meaning injured individuals must rely on their own personal injury protection (PIP) insurance to cover the initial costs of medical care, even in accidents involving teen drivers. PIP insurance covers medical expenses and may provide compensation for lost wages if the injured person cannot return to work immediately.
In Lake County, some injuries from teen driving accidents may exceed the limits of the injured individual’s PIP coverage. When this occurs, the injured person may pursue compensation through the teen driver’s insurance policy for:
- Pain and suffering
- Income losses directly related to the accident
- Medical bills that exceed the protection offered by PIP coverage
These claims can provide much-needed compensation that can make it easier for injured individuals to navigate the recovery process.
Injured individuals have two years after the date of a car accident to file a claim against the liable driver’s auto insurance, including cases where the liable driver was a teen driver. However, several exceptions exist to the statute of limitations, including cases in which another minor was the one injured in the accident and injuries that the injured party did not note at the time of the incident.
Parental Liability in Teen Driving Accidents
Most parents’ insurance policies cover their teen drivers and typically handle damages from teen driving accidents. However, parents can also face direct liability for accidents their teen causes, especially if they fail to properly supervise their teen’s driving. By allowing their teen to drive, parents accept responsibility for any car accident damages resulting from the teen’s negligent behavior on Lake County roads.
Contact a Lawyer After Teen Driving Accidents in Lake County
Teen driving accidents in Lake County often cause serious injuries—and should be entirely preventable. If you were involved in an accident involving a young driver, you may have the right to compensation for your damages. After an accident, a lawyer could help you learn what compensation could be available and how to navigate the claim process. Reach out to Largey Law Firm for a free consultation.