Teen drivers have earned a reputation for being more likely to cause an accident compared to older motorists. This is the case for a few reasons, including their immaturity and lack of experience. When teen driving accidents in Flowery Branch occur, the consequences can be severe.
At Smith Hulsey Law, our team of dedicated auto wreck attorneys is ready to advocate on your behalf. We understand what goes into a winning case for compensation, including identifying all the parties who might be liable.
In order for someone to recover financial compensation following a Flowery Branch teen driving accident, they will need to be able to show that another party’s negligence led to the crash. While this usually involves showing that the teen driver was responsible, there could be other parties who were also at fault.
Human error is the most common cause of a teen driving wreck. These young motorists can engage in a wide range of behaviors that increase the risk of a collision, from speeding to driving while distracted.
However, other parties might be responsible. If the crash happened because of some form of mechanical defect, an injured person may have a case for compensation against the manufacturer. Our attorneys could investigate a crash and help a client identify the at-fault parties.
Georgia has adopted something known as the Family Purpose Doctrine. Under this legal theory, the parents or guardians of a teen driver might also be liable for an injured person’s damages even if they had nothing to do with the crash.
Under this doctrine, an injured person has the opportunity to pursue legal action against the owner of the vehicle the teenager was operating. However, there are certain criteria that must be met.
First, the teen driver is required to live in the same household as the vehicle’s owner. Next, they must have used the car for a family-related purpose. This could be anything from driving to school to transporting household members. It is not uncommon for a trip made by a young driver to be considered for household purposes.
When a teenage motorist causes a crash in Flowery Branch, victims may be entitled to pursue compensation for the losses they suffer. Two categories—economic and non-economic—cover all types of damages in these cases.
Economic damages are the tangible, measurable costs of a collision. They include medical expenses for treatment, rehabilitation, and prescriptions, as well as lost wages if the injured person cannot return to work. Property damage to vehicles or other personal items also falls under this category.
Non-economic damages address the harder-to-quantify effects of an accident. These include factors such as emotional distress or physical pain. Because teen driving accidents can be particularly traumatic, non-economic damages may play a significant role in a case. Common types of damages that may be recovered include:
By pursuing both economic and non-economic damages, accident victims can seek compensation that reflects the full impact of the crash on their lives.
Teen driving accidents in Flowery Branch can cause serious harm. While it is natural to worry about your future and the legal process, you fortunately do not have to face these challenges alone. The team at Hulsey Smith Law is here to advocate for you. We look forward to the opportunity to carefully investigate your case and assist you with maximizing your compensation. Reach out immediately to set up your confidential consultation.
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