Getting your driver’s license as a teen is exciting, but it also comes with serious responsibilities. If you have been injured in a teen driving accident in Modesto, it can be a confusing and stressful time. You might be dealing with medical bills, car repairs, or even the emotional trauma of the crash. Teen drivers, while enthusiastic, often lack experience, and their mistakes can lead to dangerous situations on the road.
In moments like these, having an attorney on your side can make all the difference. An experienced car accident attorney will help you understand your rights, gather important evidence, and negotiate with insurance companies, which are not always willing to pay what you deserve. You should not have to face this situation alone. Call Valero Law Group today for guidance.
Teen Driving Laws
In California, teenagers between the ages of 15 ½ and 18 are issued provisional driver’s licenses after completing a driver education or training program and passing both a written and driving test. For the first 12 months after receiving their license, minors must be accompanied by a parent, guardian, or licensed driver over the age of 25 while driving. This provisional period is designed to help teens gain valuable driving experience under supervision.
Even after this one-year period, restrictions remain in place for drivers under the age of 18. They are prohibited from driving between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m., using any type of electronic device, including hands-free devices, and transporting passengers under the age of 20 unless an adult is present. These laws aim to reduce the number of teen driving accidents, yet despite these safety measures, accidents involving teenage drivers still occur.
If you have been injured in a teen driving accident in the Modesto area, it is important to consult with a personal injury attorney.
Determining Fault in Teen Driving Accidents
Establishing who is at fault is a critical step in resolving any teen driving wreck in Modesto. To receive compensation, the injured party must prove that the teen’s actions directly caused the accident. California law requires all drivers to carry insurance, so resolving these cases typically involves negotiating with insurance carriers. Teen drivers are often covered under their parents’ or guardians’ policies, although some may have separate coverage.
To prove a teen driver’s liability, specific documentation is crucial. This may include:
- Police reports that detail the accident
- Medical reports that outline the injuries sustained
- Expert analysis to interpret accident evidence
- Cell phone records that could indicate distracted driving
- Witness statements providing third-party perspectives
- Traffic camera footage capturing the incident
This combination of professional records and physical evidence forms the foundation for a strong personal injury claim. Speak to our team about proving liability in more detail.
What Types of Compensation Are Available?
Modesto motorists who are injured in teen driving accidents may be entitled to both economic and non-economic compensation. Economic compensation addresses measurable losses, such as medical expenses, lost wages, and future income loss if injuries prevent the victim from returning to work. Non-economic compensation includes more subjective damages, like pain and suffering or loss of companionship, which aim to address the emotional toll of the accident.
However, California follows a pure comparative negligence system, which means that compensation is adjusted according to the percentage of fault assigned to each party. For example, if the teen driver is found to be 80 percent at fault for a rear-end collision and the injured party is 20 percent at fault, the injured party would receive 80 percent of the total award. If the compensation is $100,000, the injured party would receive $80,000 after the reduction for their percentage of fault.
Contact a Modesto Attorney for Help With a Teen Driving Accident
Teen drivers are at a higher risk of causing accidents. While California’s laws requiring teens to have an experienced driver in the vehicle can help reduce these wrecks, they cannot completely prevent them. If you are injured in an accident caused by a teen driver, it is important to seek legal assistance from an experienced law firm like Valero Law Group. We care deeply about getting you the help you need while you focus on healing, and our attorneys will aggressively fight for your case.
Reach out today for a consultation after a teen driving accident in Modesto.
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