Lakewood Teen Driver Accident Lawyer
Being able to operate a motor vehicle for the first time is an exhilarating experience for most teen drivers. Unfortunately, teen drivers are far more likely to cause an accident, largely due to their inexperience as drivers. This could cause them to be potential road hazards if they are not properly taught how to drive in a responsible manner.
If you have been injured in an auto accident with a teen driver, or if your child was hurt while driving, reach out to a Lakewood teen driver accident lawyer today. A skilled injury attorney could walk you through the claims process and advise you on how to best proceed.
Common Fact Patterns Associated with Teen Driving Accidents in Lakewood
Due to their inexperience, teens may frequently miss traffic control devices such as stop signs, stoplights, right turn only signs, and other traffic control signs and devices. Another problem arises with other people in the car. For 16 to 17-year-olds, carrying just one passenger in the car increases the crash risk by about 50%.
Another problem is that teens are frequent texters and they would frequently be involved in accidents regarding texting. Finally, as with other drivers, teens are subject to drinking and driving issues. Cumulatively, teens are the most dangerous drivers and face the greatest risk of getting into accidents.
Steps to Take After Being Involved in an Accident
The first thing a driver should do it make sure they and anyone else involved in the accident are okay and not in need of medical treatment. If the teen finds out that any of those parties are hurt they need to call for medical assistance immediately. The best way to do that would be to dial 911 and inform the operator of the situation. Law enforcement should also be brought to the scene of the accident in order to have proper documentation of the crash at hand.
The next thing to do is to exchange insurance information with the other driver. In addition, it is important to record evidence of an accident by using pictures or capturing video. Victims should try to record the other’s party’s license plate info and proof of insurance.
Insurance Claims Regarding Teen Drivers
Since teens are the riskiest drivers, their automobile insurance is among the most expensive insurance. One way that they can reduce that expense is some insurance companies have reductions for good grades. Additionally, if a teenager gets into a motor vehicle accident within their first few months or years of driving, it is likely that their insurance rates would go even higher than they are originally.
How to Prevent Teens from Getting in an Accident
In addition to having their teen take approved Department of Motor Vehicle courses, parents should start out allowing their teen upon receiving a permit to drive around. It may also be helpful to have their teen practice in an empty space or parking lot. They should also become adapted to driving especially if the teen needs to use standard transmission where they are going to have to shift gears or the type of transmission where they are going to have to do gear shifting.
Additionally, parents should warn their teens against unsafe practices such as texting, drinking and driving, distracted driving, and driving with passengers in the car. Due to the inexperience of teens, conversations with passengers are likely to distract teens and cause accidents.
Benefits of Hiring a Lakewood Teen Driver Accident Attorney
By retaining the services of a Lakewood teen driver accident lawyer, you may be able to strategically compile all evidence that could support your claim. In addition, an attorney with experience in dealing with similar matters could provide you with the professional representation you deserve when taking a case to court or during any settlement negotiations. To learn more, be sure to schedule a consultation as soon as possible.