Learning to drive is a significant moment in the life of any young person, but just like anyone who is learning a new skill, new drivers are more prone to making mistakes than people with years of experience. Unfortunately, mistakes on public roads sometimes lead to traffic accidents with life-altering consequences. However, the fact that one of the drivers involved is legally a minor does not mean people injured in teen driving accidents in Pinellas Park have no options for seeking financial recovery.
If you were hurt in such a collision, working with a car accident attorney from Herman & Wells could be key to enforcing your right to financial recovery. We prioritize accessibility, empathy, and consistent communication in every case we take on, and we have the experience necessary to help you navigate the legal process and help you get paid fairly.
Thanks to the two rules detailed below, the answer to the question of whether you can sue—or, more typically, file a claim against the insurance policy of—a negligent teen driver’s parent after a Pinellas County auto wreck is very often yes.
First, if a teen driver is operating a vehicle owned and insured in someone else’s name, that person’s insurance can be held financially liable for injuries and losses the teen driver causes in a wreck involving their vehicle.
Second, in order to get a Learner’s Driver’s License in Florida, teens between the ages of 15 and 18 have to get a parent or legal guardian’s signature on a Parental Consent Form. Among other things, signing this form makes that parent or legal guardian financially liable for any property damage and injuries their child causes while operating a motor vehicle until the moment they turn 18, even if they apply for and receive an unrestricted Driver’s License before their 18th birthday.
Regardless of who is responsible for a teen driving crash in Pinellas Park, you may be able to seek financial recovery from them for losses such as:
However, you have a limited amount of time to file suit after a wreck like this—often two years after the date of the actual incident, as detailed in Florida Statutes § 95.11. While there are often options for longer periods, it is essential to act quickly and get a qualified lawyer’s help to start the legal process.
Teen drivers are certainly not guaranteed to cause a wreck whenever they operate a vehicle, and some teens are more careful drivers than many adults. Nevertheless, it is a statistical fact that young drivers are more likely to cause crashes than older drivers, so knowing who to seek help from after teen driving accidents in Pinellas Park can be crucial to protecting your future prospects.
Once retained, our team at Herman & Wells could empower you to understand all your recovery options and give you the confidence—as well as the legal and tactical support—to take full advantage of them. Call today for a free, confidential consultation.
