Teen drivers are some of the most dangerous motorists on the roadways. Whether due to a lack of experience or naive beliefs regarding how they should be acting behind the wheel, teens tend to take their driving privileges for granted. In fact, during 2017 over 2,500 teenagers lost their lives in fatal motor vehicle accidents according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration making car accidents the leading cause of death for teens. When teenagers are irresponsible behind the wheel, it can put other motorists and pedestrians at high risk. If you were involved in a Boston car accident with a teen driver, our lead attorney Michael O. Smith is prepared to help you assert your right to compensation.
National Teen Driver Safety Week starts on October 20 and runs through October 26. During this time, parents are encouraged to have conversations with their teenage drivers about the importance of obeying traffic rules, refraining from driving while under the influence, and being a good influence on their peers who are also drivers. Teen drivers also have a tendency to forgo using their seatbelts, too, according to NHTSA, and are more susceptible to things like distracted driving or drowsy driving. In some cases, teens also try to pack as many passengers as possible into a vehicle, which has numerous safety implications.
Like many other states, Massachusetts uses graduated licensing laws that place decreasing restrictions on a new driver’s driving privileges. The intent behind starting with several restrictions and paring them down as the driver gains experience is to make sure that the driver has the best start possible with his or her driving record. Teens cannot drive with other passengers who are less than 18 years of age until they have had their license for six months, for example. They are also prohibited from driving between 12:30 am and 5 am as well as from using a cell phone while behind the wheel.
If you were involved in an accident with a teen driver, you can bring a civil suit to recover damages. Just because the driver was a minor does not absolve them from being held responsible for the consequences of their actions. In other words, you will need to show that the driver failed to use appropriate care and skill behind the wheel as a reasonably prudent driver would have done. Knowing some of the common ways that teens tend to act irresponsibly when it comes to driving and help you identify how the teen driver who caused your accident was negligent.
If you are successful in establishing liability, the teen driver through his or her guardian will be liable for the damages that he or she caused you including past and future medical bills, lost wages, reduced earning capacity, pain and suffering, and more. The teen driver may also be covered under an insurance policy that provides benefits for personal and property damages stemming from an accident.
At the Law Office of Michael O. Smith, our lead attorney has assisted individuals involved in Boston car accidents with claiming the compensation they deserve following an unnecessary and avoidable car crash. Our legal team understands how stressful this situation can be especially if you are coping with painful and debilitating injuries. Contact us today at 617-263-0060 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation.