Teen Driving Accidents in Gainesville

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Georgia is dedicated to ensuring safe roads for everyone, and a recent change that reflects this is the enactment of Joshua’s Law. This law mandates that 17-year-olds complete driver training before obtaining their Class D License. Despite these measures, car accidents remain the second leading cause of death for teenagers in this state.

Teen drivers are also involved in more serious accidents than any other age group, often resulting in severe injuries to others. If you have been injured in a teen driving accident in Gainesville, you likely have questions about how to recover your losses from a minor. The auto accident attorneys at Smith Hulsey Law could provide the answers you need.

Causes of Teen Wrecks

Law enforcement often attributes teen car accidents in Gainesville to inexperience behind the wheel. While this explains their difficulty in judging safe turns or distances, many actions taken by teen drivers are negligent. These include:

  • Distracted Driving: Eating, texting, or talking on the phone while driving
  • Reckless Driving: Engaging in dangerous behaviors like drag racing or other risky stunts
  • Substance Abuse: Driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or other harmful substances
  • Speeding: Driving at excessive speeds beyond the posted limits

When a negligent teen driver causes an accident, resulting in injuries that disrupt your financial stability due to mounting medical bills and lost wages, they should be held accountable for their actions.

Georgia’s Family Purpose Doctrine

In Georgia, the Family Purpose Doctrine holds the parents, guardians, or other responsible adults liable for accidents caused by a teen driver. To establish liability, plaintiffs must prove specific conditions: the teen driver lives with the car owner, the car owner permitted the teen to drive, and a legal agency relationship exists where the parent is the principal and the teen is the agent allowed to drive the vehicle.

Our experienced attorneys are dedicated to improving the lives of our neighbors who have been injured by someone else’s negligence. Contact us to discuss how the Family Purpose Doctrine may apply to your Gainesville teen driving case and learn how we could advocate for you if insurers attempt to undervalue your claim.

How Smith Hulsey Injury Attorneys Help Clients

When a teen driver causes severe injuries in a Gainesville accident, we start by proposing a settlement that reflects the full extent of the injuries and recovery needs. We aim for complete compensation and are prepared to file a lawsuit if insurers offer inadequate settlements. For instance, we have recently secured million-dollar recoveries for pedestrians—$1,025,000, $1,900,000, and $1,000,000.

Our attorneys meticulously gather and analyze evidence to establish the defendant’s liability and assess your losses—physical, financial, and emotional. We adhere to all filing deadlines to ensure timely handling of your case and advocate for you throughout the entire process, from negotiations to final settlements.

At Smith Hulsey Law, we work closely with clients, expert witnesses, and the court system to achieve the best possible outcome.

Seek Lawyers With Experience After a Teen Driving Accident in Gainesville

Teen drivers can be impulsive and inexperienced, leading to accidents that can cause significant harm. If you are involved in a teen driving accident in Gainesville, do not negotiate with insurers until you consult with us. While minors are usually covered under their parents’ car insurance, you deserve the maximum compensation for your recovery and emotional distress. Our team of skilled litigators is here to ensure you receive the support and compensation you need.

Smith Hulsey Law

Smith Hulsey Law
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