Teen Driving Accidents in Pasadena

Teen driving accidents pose a serious risk across Texas. In fact, Texas has the 10th highest rate of fatal accidents among teen drivers in the United States. Even more can end up producing catastrophic injuries that greatly affect a person’s life. When a teen driver’s negligence leads to an accident, their insurance company may provide compensation for the damages related to the accident. However, that does not mean that the quest for compensation will prove easy, especially in cases with severe injuries. Reach out to our auto collision attorneys about the legal details involved in teen driving accidents in Pasadena.

Increased Risk for Teen Drivers

Teen drivers across Pasadena must drive with a restricted license until they turn 18. They cannot drive with more than one passenger under the age of 21, unless they are driving with family members, nor can they drive between midnight and 5 a.m. Furthermore, teen drivers are restricted from using any type of mobile device, including hands-free devices. These restrictions help keep teen drivers safer on the road, since they may face some dangers and challenges that older, more experienced drivers do not have to contend with. Teen drivers:

• Have a greater risk of distraction behind the wheel, especially when accompanied by a friend
• Do not yet have the skill needed to manage potentially dangerous scenarios
• May not have the judgment needed to make the right call every time a challenge presents itself on the road

As a result, not only can teen drivers cause more accidents on the road, they may end up causing more serious injuries when they do get behind the wheel.

Liability in Teen Driving Accidents

Most of the time, when you get into an accident with a teen driver in Pasadena, you will file a claim through that driver’s insurance company. Teens usually, but not always, have the same insurance as their parents. However, in some cases, you may need to file a claim against another party that shares liability for the incident.

Vehicle Owners

Teens often drive a vehicle owned by another individual. The owner of that vehicle may bear liability if there is a known problem with the vehicle, but the owner allows the teen to drive it anyway. That can include cases in which parents allow children to drive potentially dangerous vehicles with known brake or steering problems.

Parents

In Texas, parents may bear liability for the actions of a teen driver who causes an accident behind the wheel.

Drunk Driving Accidents

If a teen driver drives while intoxicated, a third party that knowingly served that teen alcohol may bear liability for the actions the teen takes while intoxicated, including any accidents caused by the decision to drink and drive. A teen need not receive a drunk driving conviction for the injured party to seek compensation through that driver’s insurance company. However, a drunk driving conviction can open the door to a claim against the party that provided alcohol.

Contact a Pasadena Attorney About Your Claim Involving Teen Drivers

If you suffered injuries in an accident with a teen driver, you need an experienced Pasadena lawyer to help you navigate the claim process and maximize your compensation. At Schechter, Shaffer, & Harris, Accident Injury Attorneys, we provide comprehensive support to teen driving accident victims as they file claims to seek compensation for the damages they sustained.

Did a teen driver cause an accident that led to your injuries? Contact us today for a free consultation.