When a teenager causes a motor vehicle wreck, it can be both stressful and complicated. If you suffered harm in one of the tragic teen driving accidents in Beaumont, you might be feeling confused because you might not know where to turn to get the legal and financial relief you desperately need.
Fortunately, you might be eligible to pursue a legal claim for financial damages. A well-versed car accident lawyer from Schechter, Shaffer & Harris could offer you helpful advice as you navigate the legal system.
Common Causes of Crashes Involving Teenage Motorists
Teenagers are more apt to be involved in a car crash than adult drivers in Beaumont, TX for several reasons.
Inexperience
Teenagers are not usually skilled drivers because they lack experience. Because they have not seen as many different scenarios behind the wheel, they do not always know how to respond appropriately. For instance, they are more apt to tailgate because they do not know how to safely judge gaps in traffic and might not know how much space to safely leave in front of them. With their limited experience, teenagers can easily lose control of their car while making a maneuver, such as a tight turn.
Overconfidence
Teenagers tend to overestimate their driving abilities, often driving too fast or aggressively. Teens are apt to overlook traffic signals or signs, illegally pass other vehicles, make unsafe lane changes, or tailgate.
Distracted Driving
More than any other age group, teenagers are prone to distracted driving. They are often glued to their phones, even while driving. In addition, because they are such new drivers, they can easily be distracted by having other teenagers in the car with them.
Drowsy Driving
Teenagers frequently have irregular schedules. They might have a job at night and then have to be up early for a practice or school. Fatigued driving can lead to crashes.
Alcohol or Drug Problems
Even though Texas has a no-tolerance policy towards underage drinking, driving drunk or on drugs can cause teenage driving crashes in Beaumont.
Regardless of how or why a teenage driver caused an accident, you deserve help. Our dedicated legal team could work tirelessly to fight on your behalf.
What Kind of Compensation Can You Pursue After a Teen Driving Crash?
If a teenage driver causes an accident in Beaumont, you can generally pursue compensation from their insurance company. Typically, teenage drivers have insurance through their parents’ insurance providers. If the teenage driver had only a learner’s permit, they would not need to have their own insurance, and you could seek coverage under their parent’s policy.
Unfortunately, insurance companies often try to get people to settle for the lowest possible amount in order to protect the company’s financial standing. A skilled local attorney from Schechter, Shaffer & Harris understands the tactics used by insurance companies and could work hard to negotiate for a reasonable settlement.
If the insurance provider is unwilling to settle for a fair amount, our attorneys could take your case to court and fight for the full compensation you deserve to cover all your economic and non-economic losses.
In certain situations, you might be able to sue the teenager’s parents directly if the driver was under age 18. However, you would have to meet the high burden of proving that the parents allowed the teenager to drive despite the teenager poses a known risk, such as by being unlicensed or having a history of reckless driving. Our attorneys could see if pursuing a lawsuit against the parents is appropriate.
Consult with a Beaumont Lawyer After a Teenage Car Crash
Teen driving accidents in Beaumont are frequently heartbreaking. Nobody wants to take legal action against a teenager, but if they were responsible for causing your accident, they should also be responsible for the resulting costs. If a teenage driver caused your crash, our compassionate legal team could skillfully and sensitively handle the matter.
Consult with Schechter, Shaffer & Harris today.
