(864) 582-0416 Getting a driver’s license is a significant moment in almost every teenager’s life—but just like anyone learning a new skill, teen drivers often make mistakes as part of the learning process. Unfortunately, mistakes made while driving a multi-ton motor vehicle can sometimes lead to wrecks with devastating consequences.
If you’ve been hurt in a teen driving accident in Spartanburg, you likely have grounds to pursue a claim and, if necessary, file suit against the teen driver’s parent(s) or legal guardian(s). You also have the right to work with a seasoned legal professional who can assist you with effectively pursuing your claim. By enlisting the help of an auto accident attorney from Holland & Usry, you’ll have a better chance of success in recovering your damages than if you tried to navigate this complicated legal process on your own.
While it is technically possible to hold a teen driver directly liable for a car crash they cause through reckless or careless driving, this is generally not useful, since teen drivers normally have limited personal assets and lack independent insurance coverage. Fortunately, under South Carolina law, a parent or guardian assumes civil liability for damages in the event that their child causes a traffic accident while driving. This means you can seek compensation from their auto insurance.
Furthermore, if a teen driver causes a wreck in Spartanburg while driving a car they don’t own, the person who owns or insures that car is liable for damages resulting from that wreck, even if they weren’t personally in the vehicle at the time. If a teen driver is emancipated from their parents and also owns and insures their vehicle, the situation can become more complicated, but a qualified attorney can answer questions about how best to handle your unique situation during a private initial meeting.
You can incorporate both economic and non-economic damages you sustained from a teen driving car crash in Spartanburg into a lawsuit, including but not limited to:
It is worth mentioning that not all compensatory damages can be factored into every claim, since your ability to recover may be limited by what kinds of auto insurance coverage you have access to and how far you are willing to proceed through the civil litigation process. Either way, support from a legal professional will be key to maximizing the total amount of money available to you.
While teen drivers are statistically more likely to cause wrecks than adult drivers, a teenager involved in a traffic wreck isn’t automatically at fault for the incident in legal terms. Furthermore, the fact that you were hurt in a crash you weren’t responsible for doesn’t mean the insurance companies will favor you during settlement talks or pay you fairly for your damages without a fight.
Pursuing a claim and, if necessary, filing a lawsuit over teen driving accidents in Spartanburg can be complex in many ways, but our car accident lawyer can simplify the process for you and improve your chances of getting the money you deserve. Call Holland & Usry today for a free case review.
