Teen drivers are one of the riskiest demographics of motorists. Due to their lack of experience on the road, they often lack the ability to respond to certain situations in a safe manner. Teen drivers also have a tendency to engage in unsafe driving practices like texting while driving, talking to passengers, surfing social media, or drunk driving. If you were involved in an accident with a teen driver, you may be eligible for compensation for your injuries and damages. A Raleigh car accident lawyer can assist you with evaluating your situation and determining whether you should pursue compensation.
Recently, a teen driver who was suspected of stealing a vehicle was apprehended when the vehicle crashed, and they attempted to flee. According to local reports, the car was still moving when the teen exited the vehicle and attempted to evade authorities. As he ran, the vehicle ended up striking him and causing him injuries. Police are still investigating the situation. Fortunately, no other pedestrians or motorists were injured as part of the incident.
If you were hurt in an accident involving a teen driver, you can bring a claim against them to recover compensation. If the teen is still a minor, their parent or guardian may be involved in the action as their legal representative. In the lawsuit, you will need to show that the teen driver failed to use reasonable care and skill at the time of the accident. Because a reasonable driver would not steal a vehicle and attempt to flee from the police, the recent news story is a good example of negligent driving.
A few ways you can go about proving that someone drove negligently include requesting a copy of the police report prepared after the crash, eyewitness testimony, cell phone statements to determine if the teen driver was texting, and photographs. You can also see whether any nearby video surveillance cameras picked up some or all of the accident. Working with a lawyer is a great way to make sure that you are gathering as much evidence as possible to prove that the teen driver who hit you drove negligently.
You can also file a claim with the teen driver’s insurance company. All vehicles in North Carolina are required to have auto insurance. Working with insurance companies can be frustrating, however. From making a recorded statement to figuring out whether you are receiving a fair offer, it is hard to know how you should proceed. You can work with a car accident lawyer to make sure that an insurance company treats you fairly. If an insurance company has offered you a settlement, you can consult your lawyer about whether the settlement is fair or whether you may be entitled to additional benefits.
Contact Maurer Law to learn more about working with a Raleigh car accident lawyer. We provide a free consultation, which is a great opportunity to ask all of the questions you have about your legal rights and working with an attorney. To get started, call our office now at 1-888-258-1087 or contact us online.