Teen Driving Accidents in Oakwood

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Teenage drivers cause a disproportionate number of accidents, often resulting in severe injuries or fatalities. While inexperience is certainly a factor, the developing teenage brain and its tendency to take risks also contributes to the problem.

When a teenager causes an accident that leads to injury or death, liability can become complex. The teen may not have sufficient insurance coverage or assets to cover compensation. Additionally, in some cases, the parents may also be held liable.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a wreck caused by a teen driver, speak with a credible car collision lawyer at Smith Hulsey Law. They could guide you through the claims process for teen driving accidents in Oakwood and help you pursue maximum compensation for your losses.

Assigning Liability

The state has a fault-based system for vehicle accident claims, meaning the at-fault driver’s insurance company is responsible for compensating other people’s losses due to the wreck.

Teen drivers are held financially accountable for causing teenage driving collisions in Oakwood. They are often listed as additional insureds on their parents’ insurance policy, which covers the damages caused by the teen. If the insurance coverage cannot entirely cover the injured individual’s losses, the teen may be held personally liable. In certain instances, the parents may also share responsibility.

Other people may also be liable, depending on the circumstances. For example, if a mechanical issue contributed to the accident, the vehicle manufacturer might be required to compensate the injured person for their damages. Additionally, under Georgia Code Annotated § 51-1-40, if the teen was intoxicated, the business or social host who provided the alcohol could be held liable for the injuries.

The Family Purpose Doctrine

When a family allows a teenager to drive their vehicle or gives them one, the family purpose doctrine may apply. This legal doctrine holds the vehicle’s owner liable if a household member causes an accident due to negligence.

Several criteria must be met for the family purpose doctrine to apply in teen driving crashes in Oakwood. First, the teen must be a member of the household. If their permanent address differs from the vehicle owner’s, the doctrine may not apply. Second, the teen must have been using the vehicle for a family purpose. This could include the following:

  • Driving to work or school
  • Running a household errand
  • Transporting household members
  • Participating in recreational activities

The definition of a “family purpose” is broad. If the teenager was driving for the family’s convenience, they were likely using the vehicle for a family purpose.

If the family purpose doctrine applies, an injured person can file a claim against the car owner’s insurance. If the owner has a home or business, they may have umbrella coverage that could provide additional compensation. However, if the vehicle owner’s insurance is insufficient, a lawyer could hold the owner personally liable and seek compensation through their assets.

Contact an Accomplished Attorney About Teen Driving Wrecks in Oakwood

Teen drivers are more prone to causing serious accidents than older drivers due to their limited driving experience and tendency to take risks. It can be challenging to establish liability in teen driving accidents in Oakwood without experienced legal counsel.

The attorneys at Smith Hulsey Law have successfully represented car accident victims for years, fearlessly advocating for favorable settlements. Consult one of our lawyers today to learn more about how we may assist you.

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