Teen drivers are three times more likely to be involved in a fatal crash than adults, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. In Georgia, teen driving accidents remain a major concern, especially during the first year a teenager gets a license.
At Hasty Pope Injury Law, our Gainesville Georgia injury lawyers and Canton Georgia injury lawyers have helped families on both sides of these cases. Parents whose teens caused accidents, and victims injured by inexperienced drivers.
Here are seven things every parent should know:
1. Teen Drivers Face Higher Crash Risks
Studies show that inexperience, distraction, and speeding are the leading causes of teen crashes. Georgia law places restrictions on new drivers, but teens are still more likely to misjudge conditions and make mistakes behind the wheel.
2. Georgia’s Graduated Licensing Laws Matter
Teens in Georgia follow a graduated licensing system. That means restrictions on late-night driving, passenger limits, and cellphone use. If these rules are broken and a crash occurs, it can affect liability and insurance coverage.
3. Parents Can Be Held Liable
In Georgia, parents who sign a minor’s driver’s license application can share financial responsibility if their teen causes an accident. This means victims may pursue compensation not only from the teen’s insurance but also from the parent.
4. Insurance Coverage Plays a Key Role
Most parents add their teens to the family auto insurance policy. That coverage will apply if the teen causes a crash. In serious accidents, however, the minimum coverage often falls short. Our attorneys know how to uncover additional coverage or pursue other liable parties.
5. Distracted Driving Is a Major Threat
Cellphone use is one of the leading causes of teen crashes. Georgia’s Hands-Free Law prohibits texting or holding a phone while driving, but enforcement can be difficult. Proving distraction is often key in building a strong case.
6. Victims Have Options After a Teen Driver Accident
If you are injured by a teen driver, you may feel hesitant to pursue a claim against a young person. But in reality, you are pursuing compensation through insurance policies — not taking money directly from the teen or their family. This is critical for covering medical bills, lost wages, and long-term care.
7. Experience Matters in Teen Driver Cases
These cases can involve complex questions of liability, multiple insurance policies, and sensitive family dynamics. Hasty Pope prepares every case for trial and has over 130 years of combined legal experience standing up to insurance companies on behalf of accident victims.
Call Hasty Pope Injury Law Today
If your family has been affected by a teen driver accident in Georgia, our Gainesville Georgia injury lawyers and Canton Georgia injury lawyers are here to help. We understand the unique challenges these cases bring and will fight to secure the compensation you deserve.
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