Have you been injured in an auto accident where the at fault driver was a teen driver or inexperienced driver? Teen driver accidents are very common in Pennsylvania. Most teen driver accident are caused by drunk driving, drugged driving, reckless driving and texting while driving. If you have been injured in a car accident caused by the careless acts of another you may be entitled to benefits and financial compensation under Pennsylvania injury laws.
Please do not hesitate to contact our Philadelphia Pennsylvania car accident lawyers to discuss your case. We will provide a free case analysis and make sure you get all benefits and financial compensation you are entitled to.
Teen Driver Accidents Statistics
Recent studies by The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) indicate that automobile accidents, and primarily car accidents, are the leading cause of death for teenagers. Every year approximately 3,000 teenagers are killed in car accidents in the United States. In addition, and one in five 16-year-olds has a car accident in his or her first year as a new driver.
Parent’s Liability In Pennsylvania Teen Driving Accidents
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania mandates parental consent for a teen under the age of 18 to drive. This consent creates parental liability for any injuries caused by their teen in a car accident. This liability will last until the child is 18 or until the parents withdraw consent of the driver’s license. A parent can withdraw consent at any time.
According to Forbes, texting and driving results in multiple teen deaths per day. There are many factors that determine the amount of liability that parents have when their teens cause injury from texting and driving.
Having a teen with a license can be helpful for running errands that parents cannot do. But in Pennsylvania, if a teen is involved in a car accident while running errands for a parent, the parent can be jointly and severally liable with the teen for damages. These damages vary based on how many people were in the car and severity of injuries. The parent can also be liable for up to $5,000 in property damages.
Negligent Entrustment And Damages
In Pennsylvania, like most states, parents can be liable under negligent entrustment if they let their teen borrow the car even though they are aware of drug or alcohol-related problems that the teen has. The liability for damages can be greater than those imposed for damages while running errands.
Under Pennsylvania law a parent or legal guardian may also liable for any willful misconduct by a teen that causes injury or death to another or any property damage. While the damages are restricted to medical, hospital and dental expenses, the maximum liability for each claim against the teen is $37,400 as of 2011 and increases every two years.
Personal Injury Claims Related To Teen Driving
Parents who have their children on their insurance policies may be liable for their child’s traffic accidents. Car accidents lead to a significant amount of personal injury claims in Pennsylvania. Insurance companies want to settle fast and for as little as they can. They will often look for reasons to give little compensation to parties for physical injuries sustained in car accidents. Statements to insurance companies can affect the outcome of the claim, so having an experienced personal injury attorney can be effective in bringing the most favorable outcome possible.