Since teenage drivers do not have much experience on the road, they have an increased risk of causing a car accident compared to most adults. Car crashes involving a teenage driver can often lead to significant property damage and bodily injuries.
If you were involved in a teen driving accident in Fresno, it is important to speak with an experienced auto collision attorney as soon as possible about your ability to file a legal claim. Our lawyers are always available for calls, even in an emergency. Call Valero Law Group today to begin working on a claim.
State Driving Laws and Teen Drivers
The state has a number of laws that specifically prohibit certain actions by young motorists to address the increased risk of vehicle collisions involving teen drivers in Fresno. For example, the state issues a special provisional license to teen drivers under 18 years old. During the first 12 months of having a provisional license, teens are subject to certain driving restrictions.
These restrictions include a curfew that prohibits driving between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. during the first year of having a provisional license. Teens are also prohibited from transporting passengers under 20 years old during this period unless a parent, guardian, state driver over 25 years old, or a certified driving instructor is also present in the vehicle.
Additionally, teen drivers are completely prohibited from using a cell phone to talk or text while driving, according to Cal. Veh. Code § 23124(b). This blanket restriction applies even if the teen has access to hands-free or voice-operated technology.
The state also has a zero-tolerance policy for underage drivers when it comes to driving under the influence of alcohol. According to Cal. Veh. Code § 23136, if a teen driver is found to have any trace of alcohol in their system, they are guilty of a DUI. Learn more about how the law applies to teen drivers and how it might impact a claim for a wreck by speaking with our team.
Parent Liability for Teen Driving Accidents
Parents of teen drivers in Fresno should understand that a court could potentially hold them legally responsible when their child causes an accident. For minors under the age of 18, their parents must sign their driver’s license application.
According to Cal Veh. Code § 17707, any civil liability resulting from a minor operating a motor vehicle is imposed on the person who signed the application. The rule stipulates that the parent and the minor are jointly and severally liable for damages caused by negligent or wrongful actions or omissions by the minor while driving. The parent’s liability ends when the minor turns 18.
Additionally, Cal Veh. Code § 17708 provides that a court can find that a parent or guardian has civil liability for a minor’s negligence while driving if they gave the teen permission to use their vehicle.
Parents are also generally liable under Cal. Civ. Code 1714.1 when their child’s willful misconduct causes property damage, injury, or death. While this rule applies to all misconduct by a child that could lead to civil liability, it includes actions by a minor driver. If a minor causes an accident by driving under the influence, a court may conclude that the misconduct was willful.
Filing a Lawsuit After a Teen Driving Accident
While liability from many car accidents is resolved through insurance, it is sometimes necessary to pursue a personal injury lawsuit against a teen driver in Fresno when an accident causes bodily harm or property damage.
State law provides that individuals are legally liable for damages when their negligent actions cause injuries or property damage. To win a negligence lawsuit for a personal injury, an injured motorist must establish that the teen driver violated a duty of care owed to other drivers.
Evidence of speeding, distracted driving, failing to obey street signs or traffic signals, and other traffic violations can help establish a breach of care. Our attorneys can assist with obtaining evidence when preparing for a trial.
Police reports, accident scene analysis from insurance providers, and witness testimony are just a few examples of evidence that can help prove negligence. Reach out to our team to learn more about establishing liability.
Consult With a Fresno Lawyer About Teen Driving Crashes
If you or a loved one were injured in a teen driving accident in Fresno, our skilled attorneys are here to do the best we can to aggressively fight for your case. We are available to come and see you if your injuries prohibit traveling, or we can arrange for transportation.
Since we work on a contingency, we only get paid if we win your case. Let us work on your behalf while you focus on healing. Call Valero Law Group to get started today.