Teen Driving Accidents in Killeen
When teenagers begin driving, they are more likely to cause accidents due to their lack of experience on the road. While some act carefully and follow all the rules, others test the boundaries of traffic laws. The latter are highly likely to cause serious crashes.
If you were hurt by a teenager who acted negligently on the road, you can recover damages. Learning how teen driving accidents in Killeen work can help you file an appropriate claim. To receive fair compensation, consider hiring an experienced car collision attorney.
Common Causes of Teen Driving Crashes
Without sufficient experience, teen drivers do not know how to react to dangerous situations on the road. They are also more likely to be distracted by their phones, food, or passengers. In some cases, teens can get behind the wheel while intoxicated. Other common causes of accidents involving teenagers are:
- Speeding – Teens may underestimate the risks of high speeds and struggle to control the vehicle.
- Risky Maneuvers – Inexperienced drivers are more likely to make unsafe turns, lane changes, or other high-risk moves.
- Peer Pressure – Friends in the car can pressure a teen driver to take risks or drive more recklessly.
- Failure to Use Seatbelts – Some teens neglect to wear seatbelts, increasing injury risk in an accident.
- Following Too Closely – Teens may not maintain safe following distances, leading to rear-end collisions.
- Weather Conditions – Lack of experience driving in rain or fog can lead to loss of control.
If a car accident in Killeen was caused by the teen driver’s negligence, the injured parties can seek compensation. Even though the driver is young, they are just as responsible for acting reasonably on the road as an adult traffic participant.
Who Is Liable for Damages When a Teenager Causes a Collision
When teenagers are starting to drive, they usually use their parent’s car and insurance plan. When a teen causes a crash, their parent can be held liable for the accident.
The parent can be responsible for the teen’s errors because of negligent entrustment of a vehicle. This means a parent allowed an inexperienced and negligent driver to take control of their car. In such a situation, the parent shares liability in an injury claim. In some cases, teenagers can take the car without their parent’s consent and cause a crash. If this happens, the parents can still be responsible. An injured person can file a claim with the parents’ insurance company.
How to Recover Damages
When a teen driving accident occurs in Killeen, the process of damage recovery is similar to a regular claim against a negligent driver. The injured party has to prove the driver’s negligence and support the requested compensation with relevant evidence.
An experienced attorney can help build a case against the teenager and their parents in order to recover fair damages.
Consult an Attorney about Teen Driving Accidents in Killeen
The age of the driver does not change their liability. If you were hurt in an accident caused by a negligent teen driver, you can seek financial compensation to cover medical bills, lost wages, and more.
At Felix Gonzalez Law Firm, we can help you navigate a teen driving accident in Killeen and fight for the money you deserve. To schedule a consultation, contact us at any time.
