Teen drivers face unique challenges on the road. While getting a license is an exciting milestone, driving comes with serious responsibilities, and inexperience can lead to dangerous situations. The bottom line is that teen driving accidents are an unfortunate reality on Maryland roads. Inexperienced drivers, combined with distractions and overconfidence, often lead to dangerous situations. If you've been involved in an accident with a teenage driver, it is important to understand your rights and what you can do to ensure you do not end up bearing the brunt of the financial burden that frequently follows in the wake of a car accident. At Foran & Foran, P.A., our Prince George’s car accident lawyers have the experience, dedication, and resources needed to effectively bring a lawsuit on your behalf. We’re immediately available to meet for a free consultation to discuss your case.
The Dangers of Inexperienced DriversTeen drivers are far more likely to be involved in accidents compared to more experienced motorists. According to the CDC, teen drivers aged 16 to 19 are nearly three times more likely to be involved in a fatal crash than drivers aged 20 and older. In 2021, over 2,800 teens in this age group were killed, and about 227,000 were treated for injuries caused by car accidents. Inexperience plays a major role in these crashes, as younger drivers may struggle with judgment calls, overestimate their abilities, or underestimate dangers on the road.
Common causes of teen driving accidents include distractions like cell phone use, peer passengers, and simply failing to react to hazards in time. Additionally, many teens may engage in risky behaviors, such as speeding or not wearing a seatbelt, which increases the likelihood of serious injuries or fatalities.
Who is Financially Responsible if a Teenager Causes a Car Accident?In Maryland, if a teenager causes a car accident, financial responsibility typically falls on their parents or legal guardians, especially if the teen is still a minor. This is because Maryland law requires car insurance policies to cover all licensed drivers in the household, including teens. So, if a teen is driving the family car and causes an accident, the parents’ insurance company would be the one to handle the damages.
However, there are limits to how much the insurance policy will cover. In the case of an underinsured driver, where the victim’s damages exceed the policy limits, an accident victim can go after the parents' assets.
There’s also the possibility of shared fault. In Maryland, if both drivers are found to share responsibility for a crash, the state’s contributory negligence laws will likely apply. Under these laws, if a driver is found even slightly at fault for the accident, they may not be able to recover compensation. This makes it critical to have an experienced Prince George’s County car accident lawyer who can carefully evaluate your case and ensure that it is handled appropriately.
Protecting Your Rights After a Car AccidentAfter a teen driving accident, there are certain steps you should take to protect your rights. First, make sure everyone involved receives proper medical attention. Even if injuries seem minor at first, symptoms could develop later, and having a documented medical record is important for your case.
Next, gather as much evidence as possible. Take photos of the accident scene, get witness statements, and exchange information with the other driver. It's also important to report the accident to your insurance company right away. But be careful when talking to insurance adjusters; they may try to elicit information from you that the insurance company will later use to minimize the value of your claim. It is always a good idea to consult with a Prince George’s County car accident lawyer before making any statements to an insurance company.
Speak With a Knowledgeable Prince George's County Personal Injury Lawyer About Your Case TodayIf you were injured in an accident caused by a teen driver, it is imperative that you enlist the help of an experienced attorney as soon as possible. At Foran & Foran, P.A., we understand the challenges that come with being involved in a car accident, and we’re here to help you through every step of the way. Don’t wait—contact us today to discuss your case with a knowledgeable Prince George’s County teen driver accident lawyer. Calling is free, as is your initial consultation. And, because we take car accident cases on a contingency basis, we won’t accept payment for our services unless we can recover compensation on your behalf. To schedule your free consultation, give us a call at 301-441-2022 or fill out our secure online contact form. We also represent clients in Hyattsville, Bowie, Upper Marlboro, Waldorf, La Plata, Silver Spring, Rockville and the surrounding areas.