Allowing an inexperienced teen to drive is risky, yet the only way they will become a safe driver is through experience. Even when teens are cautious, they still could get into an accident. You should seek legal guidance as soon as possible after suffering a teen car crash.
The state ensures novice drivers gain substantial experience before issuing an unrestricted driver’s license. Teenagers can apply for a learner’s permit when they turn 15 and are enrolled in a driver’s education program. A teen can apply for a probationary license when they have had their learner’s permit for at least six months and are at least 16 years and 90 days old. The teen must complete a driver’s education program, log 50 hours of supervised driving, and pass a skills test before they can receive a probationary license.
Teens may not drive at night or carry passengers during the first 180 days they hold a probationary license. They can have passengers in the vehicle after 180 days, but cannot drive between 10 pm and 5 am until they turn 18. Additionally, a probationary license holder cannot receive an unrestricted license until they turn 21.
Parents should know the probationary driver’s license restrictions and enforce them.
Indiana is an at-fault state for car accidents, which means the insurance company for the at-fault driver pays the damages of anyone who suffers losses in a wreck. Drivers under 18 cannot purchase their own car insurance, so any claims from an accident would be the responsibility of their parents’ insurer.
Some older teens own their vehicles and have their own insurance coverage, but their coverage may be limited. In such cases, the injured person must rely on their uninsured/underinsured driver coverage to compensate them in an accident. All insurers in the state must offer this coverage, but a buyer can decline the coverage in writing.
Depending on the circumstances, it might be possible to hold the teen’s parents liable for an injured person’s damages after a vehicle accident.
Anyone seeking compensation after an auto accident must show that someone else’s negligence was a direct cause of their losses. Teen drivers are often negligent due to their youth and experience. Sometimes, they text while driving or underestimate their ability to drive in dangerous weather conditions.
A legal professional could also review the police report, obtain the teen driver’s record, and subpoena cell phone records, video, and information from on-board data systems, surveillance footage, or other evidence. If the information indicates the teen driver was negligent in an accident, their insurance company will be responsible for paying an injured person’s damages.
A local lawyer could help you find sources of insurance coverage to compensate you for the losses you experienced in a teen driving car accident in Terre Haute. Call today to schedule a consultation.
I have dreamed about writing a book about personal injury law for years. In the past year, I have thought about
the project often. Clearly, I am a procrastinator.
Fleschner, Stark, Tanoos & Newlin
N/aThe financial burden that often comes with a serious injury can be too much for many people to bear. Unexpected medical debt, damaged personal property, and the sudden loss of income can impact the budgets of most families. The good news is that a successful injury claim could help reduce that financial strain after a serious accident. Get in touch with a Terre Haute personal injury lawyer with Fleschner, Stark, Tanoos & Newlin to learn more.
Copyright ©2024 Fleschner, Stark, Tanoos & Newlin,
