Learning to drive is a big moment in almost every young person’s life. Like any other inexperienced person, teen drivers are more likely to make mistakes than experienced adults. Unfortunately, you may have recently discovered that reckless or careless acts while driving a multi-ton motor vehicle can lead to others sustaining serious or even life-threatening injuries.
Because most teenage drivers are under the age of 18, the process of seeking financial restitution after teen driving accidents in Southfield often works differently than it does after wrecks caused by adults. One of our experienced auto accident attorneys at Thurswell Law could detail the legal and procedural rules for your potential claim, help you understand your options, and work with you to proactively pursue restitution for your crash-related losses.
Whose Insurance Covers Damages From Teen Driver Crashes?
Michigan is a no-fault state where people involved in auto accidents must exhaust their personal injury protection insurance coverage—if they have any—before filing a claim against anyone else’s insurance or pursuing a third-party lawsuit. As a result, your first action after a traffic collision in Southfield caused by a teen driver will generally be to seek reimbursement for medical bills, most of your lost work income, and up to $20 in daily living expenses through your insurance policy.
However, if you suffered a particularly serious injury, you may have grounds to file a claim against the teen driver’s insurance. While teen drivers occasionally maintain their independent insurance coverage, you are more likely to file a claim against an insurance policy held by their parents or guardians.
Civil Liability for a Teenage Driver’s Negligence
If insurance does not cover all your losses from a serious crash with an adolescent driver in Southfield, you may need to seek additional restitution through a personal injury lawsuit. While it is possible to hold a teenager personally liable for the consequences of their own negligence, most teen drivers do not have the personal income or assets to fully compensate you for life-altering injuries.
Fortunately, it is often possible to hold the parents or guardians of negligent teen drivers liable for their child’s actions. Our attorneys could argue that it was inherently reckless for a parent or guardian to let their inexperienced or irresponsible child use their car. This strategy may be challenging to execute, but our team could help you construct the strongest possible claim uniquely tailored to the circumstances of your wreck.
Contact our Southfield Attorneys for Support With a Teen Driving Accident Claim
Some teen drivers are overtly careless or reckless while driving, and many others make inadvertent errors in judgment that lead to accidents. If a teenager caused an avoidable wreck that injured you, you may find obtaining restitution difficult if you make a claim by yourself.
Working with us at Thurswell Law could make the recovery process simpler and increase the amount of compensation you receive. Call today to learn how we could assist you in the aftermath of teen driving accidents in Southfield.
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