Being hit by an inexperienced teen driver can be scary and frustrating, as you may have injuries and property damage that their insurance won’t fully cover. But don’t worry – you have options. In this article, we’ll walk through how to recover the maximum compensation after a teen driver accident.
With the right approach and the help of a Tampa car accident attorney, you can make sure you’re made whole again after a crash caused by a young driver.
Your Legal Options After a Teen Driver Accident
As the victim of a car accident caused by a teen driver, you have certain legal rights to pursue compensation for your losses. The teen’s age and insurance status will impact which options are available to you.
File a Claim With the Parents’ Auto Insurance
Most teens are covered under their parents’ auto insurance policy, so you’ll want to file a claim with that insurance company. Provide details about the accident along with estimates for damage and medical bills. The insurance should cover costs up to the policy limits.
Sue the Teen’s Parents
Under Florida laws, parents can be held liable for negligence in supervising or educating an underage driver. You may be able to sue the teen’s parents to recover additional damages beyond their insurance coverage. You’ll have to prove the parents were somehow negligent in allowing the teen to drive.
File a Lawsuit Against the Teen
If the teen was driving recklessly or under the influence, you may have grounds to file a personal injury lawsuit against them directly. Again, you’ll have to prove negligence and damage to have a strong case. Lawsuits against minors can also be tricky, as they have certain legal protections.
Check If Your Insurance Offers Underinsured/Uninsured Motorist Coverage
If other options fail, turn to your auto insurance policy. Most policies include underinsured/uninsured motorist coverage for accidents caused by drivers with little or no insurance. Claim with your insurance company, providing details about the accident and bills. They should cover costs up to your policy limits.
Calculating Your Economic and Non-Economic Losses
After a car accident caused by a teen driver, you’ll want to calculate how much compensation you deserve. This includes economic losses, like medical bills and lost wages, as well as non-economic losses for pain and suffering.
Medical Expenses
Compile records of all medical costs from the accident, including ambulance fees, hospital stays, physical therapy, and medications. These economic damages are typically easy to quantify and recover. Keep copies of all bills, receipts, and insurance statements.
Lost Income
If you missed work due to injuries, calculate your lost wages. Gather pay stubs to show your typical earnings over the past year. For time off in the future, get a doctor’s note estimating when you can return to work. Lost income, especially for severe or permanent injuries, can be a major component of your claim.
Pain and Suffering
Place a dollar amount on your physical pain, mental anguish, and loss of enjoyment in life. This is more subjective but equally important. Describe your injuries in detail, like fractures, surgeries, or limited mobility. Explain any emotional trauma or PTSD. Provide photos or videos to show your suffering. While economic damages have a clear monetary value, non-economic losses should also be compensated.
Loss of Consortium
If your injuries prevent intimacy or bonding with your spouse, you may claim loss of consortium. This covers the impact to your relationship and any counseling costs. Testimony from your spouse about difficulties and life changes post-accident can support this claim.
Hire an Experienced Tampa Car Accident Attorney
Being involved in a teen driver accident is stressful enough without having to handle uncooperative insurance adjusters. Insurance companies are focused on their bottom line, not what’s fair for you. An experienced Florida Lawyers 360 car accident lawyer knows how to stand up to them and fight for the maximum compensation you deserve.
Call our experienced car accident lawyers today at 954-448-7355 for a free case review. We work on a contingency fee basis, so you pay nothing upfront. Let our firm stand up for you against insurance companies and hold the responsible parties accountable. Your health and financial security are our top priorities.
