Several parents around the world are often worried about their teenage drivers. It is a great cause for concern considering that statistics have revealed that teenagers have the highest probability of getting into an accident compared to drivers in other age groups. NHTSA, on numerous occasions, has released reports claiming that teenage drivers are three times more likely to have a car accident compared to the general population. No parent would want to see their kid hurt and undergo a heartbreaking experience; hence, here are reasons why teenagers need to learn about car accident laws.
1. To Avoid Extortion
In the unfortunate event of a car accident, your teenage kid might meet an insurance agent whose job is to settle a claim in the shortest time possible then proceed to the next case. The agents are under obligation to prioritize the insurance company’s desires; therefore, they might offer your teenage kid a low compensation when they first meet. Teenagers need to understand accident laws, and they should not accept offers not until they contact you or the family lawyer. Expert accident lawyers at https://www.noogalaw.com/ would advise teenage accident victims to access or seek help from professional attorneys who will negotiate the right compensation. Your kid’s first instinct might be to sign for payment that they don’t deserve; therefore, they should learn to contact responsible parties in case of an accident. Besides, an insurance agent might request your teenage kid for a recorded statement. The statements could be structured to lead them into making incriminating statements that offer the insurance an upper hand; therefore, they might deny awarding the claim. Kids need to learn the importance of speaking to a Denver car accident attorney after the accident and that they should always consult with them before making any statements.
2. Parents Can be Held to Account
In some states, some programs have been enforced to restrict poor road behavior among teenage drivers. To get a driver’s license, teenagers must have an adult’s consent, and, in most cases, the parent could be the primary supervisor. As a parent, you might be worried about the liability during an accident, considering that you will be held liable for all damages during an accident. Kids need to understand that various parties might be brought to account given the laws enforced in some states, and this might help regulate their behavior on the roads and ensure that they follow all traffic rules.
If you would like further information regarding any jurisdictional variations in the law, then reaching out to a team of legal professionals in your area is strongly recommended – for example, you can learn more about personal injury law cases in Phoenix by taking a look at some of the helpful resources on the Lamber Goodnow website.
3. Teenage Accidents Could Increase Insurance Rates
Apart from parent liability, kids need to learn the cost of insurance given that teenage drivers’ accidents might increase insurance rates. It is expensive to insure your kids, but the best part about this is that you can take proactive steps that would minimize the chances of a teenage car accident by teaching them about accident laws.
4. Your Kid will be Held to Account Like All Other Motorists
Motorists of all ages face the same law and disciplinary measures in the event of an accident. Your teenage kids need to understand the aftermath of an accident and that the court will not be lenient when passing judgment on the case. Your kid might reason that the law might be softer on them, considering that he is still a juvenile, but the law operates differently. Teenagers should also understand that they would be held liable for losses, lost income, and medical bills that stem from the accident.
5. Documenting the Car Crash
Kids need to understand the significance of car accident compensation. The law allows them to capture photos of the accident scene, and that should be their priority. Teenagers might fail to capture essential information such as the position of the vehicles or skid marks, given that they are traumatized at that moment. They should, however, understand the importance of such information, given that it might be useful when claiming compensation. Teenagers should also learn the importance of exchanging contacts with drivers and eyewitnesses who might, later on, prove to be helpful when offering testimonies.
Above all, teenage kids need to prevent the occurrence of an accident by avoiding distractions. Most teenagers tend to be distracted by their mobile phones when driving, and this is the leading reason for most accidents among them. Accidents can be avoided, but in the unfortunate event that it happens, your teenage kid should be well versed with the law to prevent extortion schemes and help them when filing for compensation. Ensure that your kid has the necessary knowledge about car accident laws; after all, your priority is your kid’s safety.
I’m a 20-something stay-at-home mother and wife. I have an amazing husband, a beautiful daughter, two loving dogs, and a lazy cat. I wouldn’t change my life for anything! I love to read, listen to music, cook and blog!
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