Teen Driver Accident Lawyers in Ohio

Ohio Teen Car Accident Lawyers

Due to their inexperience, teen drivers are far more likely to get into a car accident than older motorists. In fact, insurance companies are aware of this and increase their rates for teen drivers. If you are involved in a teen driver accident, it is in your best interest to reach out to our experienced Ohio teen driver accident lawyers at Kisling, Nestico & Redick today.

Call us today at 1-800-HURT-NOW to schedule a free, initial consultation of your case with an Ohio car accident lawyer.

Ohio Teen Driving Laws

Ohio recognizes how frequently high school driver accidents occur and implemented laws to keep teens safe. Probationary drivers under 18 must adhere to certain restrictions the first year after receiving their license.

Teenage license restrictions include:

• No driving between midnight and 6 a.m. unless there is a parent or guardian in the vehicle.
• No driving with more than one non-family member.
• Seat belts must be worn at all times.
• The use of mobile phones is not permitted while driving.

Why Do Teen Driver Accidents Happen?

Teens often engage in risky driving behaviors, especially when they’ve only had their driver’s license for several months. At Kisling, Nestico & Redick, we have found that many teen driver accidents in Ohio occur because of:

• Inexperienced driving – In their first years of driving, teens are not very skilled at traveling in various weather conditions or at night. It can take years for new drivers to feel comfortable in the driver’s seat.
• Distracted driving – Teens are known for texting, eating, fumbling with their radio controls, talking to other passengers, and engaging in other distracting behaviors that take their eyes off the road and hands off the steering wheel.
• Driving under the influence – Some teens driver under the influence of alcohol or drugs instead of finding a designated driver, calling a parent, or investing in a taxi or ride-sharing service like Uber.
• Reckless driving – It’s not uncommon for teens to be over-confident in their driving abilities and drive recklessly as a result. They may also engage in reckless driving in order to impress their friends. Speeding, tailgating, and rushing through changing traffic lights are all examples of reckless driving behaviors teens may engage in.

What To Do After a Teen Driver Car Accident?

The teen driver accident lawyers of Kisling, Nestico & Redick understand how car accidents are stressful for everyone involved. However, they are particularly overwhelming for teen drivers, and it can be hard to know what to do after an accident:

• Stay calm and remain at the scene – A teen may be anxious and tempted to flee the scene of the accident. Since doing so is illegal, they should stay calm and remain at the scene.
• Call the police – The police should be called so that a police report can be filed and used down the road if a personal injury claim is filed.
• Don’t admit fault – A teen may feel bad and apologize if they believe the accident is their fault. They should refrain from doing so, as admitting fault can hurt them in the future.
• Document the scene – It’s important for a teen to take pictures of the accident scene as well as any vehicles that were involved in the accident.
• Exchange contact information – A teen should ask the other driver(s) for their contact information and insurance details.
• Call parents – Parents should be notified of the incident so that they can come to the scene and help determine the next steps.

Once these steps have been taken, it’s a wise idea to consult a teen driver accident lawyer. An attorney can help determine who is liable for the accident, speak to insurance companies, and help file a personal injury claim so that compensation for damages may be recovered.

Parent Liability for Teen Car Accidents

There are several ways a parent or guardian can be held financially responsible when a teen driver causes a car accident.

Ohio law makes the parent, guardian, or other adult liable for “any negligence, or willful or wanton misconduct, committed by a minor when driving a motor vehicle. That means the teen driver and their parent or guardian could share responsibility. However, if the minor has no resources of their own, the adult could end up paying for all the damages. In other situations, a teen driver could be 100% liable if they carry their own liability insurance.

Liability in a teen driver accident primarily depends on the circumstances. But generally, a parent or guardian’s car insurance policy extends to any vehicle their teen driver or anyone with permission to drive that vehicle. So, if the teen driver was using the car with permission of the parent and wasn’t excluded from coverage, a parent’s car insurance coverage will normally apply.

Legal Rights for Teenage Car Accident Victims

A teenage driver can be the victim of another driver’s negligence just like anyone else. If your child is hurt because of someone else, you may wonder if you can file an insurance claim or seek compensation on their behalf.

According to Ohio Rules for Civil Procedure 17(b), a parent or legal guardian may file a personal injury lawsuit on behalf of a child. In cases where a minor has been injured by someone else, their parents often foot the bills, including medical bills.

Parents have a right to get money to cover the expenses that were caused by the at-fault party. These situations are best explained by a lawyer who can look out for your and you injured child’s interests.

Contact Our Teen Driver Accident Lawyers for Help

If your teen has been involved in an accident or you’ve been hit by a teen driver, you should contact the Ohio high school driver accident lawyers of Kisling, Nestico & Redick. We’ll inform you of your legal options and may be able to help you collect compensation in a car accident injury lawsuit.

Contact us today at 1-800-HURT-NOW to schedule a free case consultation.