While lawyers and judges are the ultimate legal experts, of course, I believe that every citizen should take the time to learn a little about law for several reasons. First, it is important to know your rights, and knowing them can come in handy if anyone ever accuses you of a crime you didn't commit or threatens you legally in another other way. Second, learning about your local, state, and federal laws can help you act as a better citizen. When election time comes around, you can then truly understand ever change in law being proposed by a candidate and whether it benefits society or not. I plan to share posts about law topics explained in plain English on my new blog, so you can come back often to sharpen your legal knowledge!
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Personal Injury Law: Navigating the Path to Compensation 7 February 2024
Everyone Should Learn a Little about Law
Parents May Be Liable In A Lawsuit If Their Teen Gets In An Accident
Kaylee Wells
Having a teen driver is always a harrowing experience for any parent. Even worse is the fact that their child's potentially bad driving could result in them getting in an accident. If another person is involved, the parent may be in trouble and require an accident lawyer.
Teen Accidents Are Very Common
It is estimated that teens make up 12 percent of all distracted drivers killed in car accidents and that those under 20 are easily the most distracted. This danger is particularly potent when a teenager is just learning how to drive. They may not yet possess the ability to look away from the wheel without turning it. This can cause a serious accident to occur.
If the accident involves another person who is injured, then the teenager may be in some serious trouble. Even more shocking, their parents may be in even worse trouble. That's because they could be sued for their child's behavior.
Parents May Be Legally Responsible
The fact that a teen driver is still a minor may be a serious concern for a parent. In some instances, parents may have the responsibility for a teenager's accident. This fact is particularly true if the teen was allowed to drive the car without having a license. While the teen may be in trouble legally, the parent is likely the one to get sued.
In these cases, it is easy to lose thousands or more in personal and repair damage claims. Thankfully, a defense of some type is possible if you contact a personal injury lawyer. They can create a case that will provide you with the best chance of winning.
Defenses That May Help
Defending against this kind of charge can be tricky for many parents. For example, the teen's text record may be used against them to indicate they were texting while they were driving. However, some states have different rules on accessing texts. For example, most texts are considered public records, but it can be hard for police and law officials to get access to these records.
There is also the possibility that a teen and their parent could use the concept of mutual liability to avoid some damages. For example, they could argue that the person they hit was driving too fast for the conditions or was also distracted while driving. In this way, you can mitigate some of the damages and get them spread between both drivers.
So if you are a parent with a teen driver, it is a good idea to talk to an accident lawyer right away. While they may not be necessary immediately, having one on-board can help protect you from incidents when they are required.
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