Despite their best efforts, teen drivers often lack the experience necessary to respond appropriately to various situations on the road. Consequently, accidents involving this demographic are not uncommon.
If you have sustained injuries in a collision caused by a teen driver, you may be entitled to seek compensation. To do so, it is essential to establish liability and demonstrate negligence. An experienced auto accident attorney from Valero Law Group can assist you in navigating the complexities of a teen driving accident in San Jose and help you recover the damages to which you are entitled. Call now to begin working with a dedicated legal advocate.
Common Injuries Sustained in Teen Driving Accidents
Teen driving wrecks in San Jose can range from mild to severe. With several highways, including I-280, I-680, and I-880, running through the city, it may be impossible for an inexperienced driver to bypass them. Injuries sustained at highway speeds range from mild to catastrophic and can include:
- Soft tissue damage such as whiplash
- Cuts and lacerations
- Multiple fractures
- Burns
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Paralysis
- Death
A skilled attorney from our firm can review the type and severity of injuries as well as how they impact an injured person’s life to help craft a settlement demand that adequately reflects the full extent of their needs. If negotiations do not yield the desired results, we are not afraid to take a case to court to maximize compensation. Learn more about the potential worth of a case by calling our team today.
Liability in Teen Driving Accidents
Under California Vehicle Code 17707 VC, parents or guardians are often liable for damages if a minor is involved in an accident. This law specifies that liability rests with the individual who consents to the minor receiving a driver’s license.
Parental liability ceases when the child turns 18 or if consent is revoked. A parent or guardian must file a Request for Cancellation or Surrender of Driver License to withdraw consent. If the teenager causes an accident after this withdrawal, parents may still be held accountable for damages in certain circumstances.
Liability for teen driving wrecks in San Jose can be complex, as multiple parties may be involved. To recover all damages, it is crucial to identify every liable party and file claims accordingly.
Proving Negligence in a Teen Driving Collision
Proving negligence in a teen driving wreck in San Jose follows a similar process as with an adult driver. The injured party’s legal team must demonstrate that:
- The driver had a legal duty of care to the injured party
- This duty was breached
- The breach resulted in injuries
- The injuries caused damages
While establishing the duty of care is generally straightforward—since all drivers, including teens, owe this obligation—proving the subsequent elements requires substantial evidence. The more comprehensive the proof provided by the injured party, the higher the likelihood of receiving fair compensation. Common evidence often includes police reports, witness statements, expert testimony such as accident reconstruction, photos, and video footage. Connect with our team to learn more about steps you can take to preserve evidence following a wreck.
Talk to a San Jose Attorney about Teen Driving Crashes
If you got hurt in a collision with a teen driver, you are likely facing sizable medical bills, taking time off work, and dealing with other financial issues. To claim compensation after such accidents, you must take legal action as soon as possible.
At Valero Law Group, we help victims of teen driving accidents in San Jose seek the compensation they deserve and take the lead in handling all legal matters so they can focus on healing. To schedule a consultation, please contact us at any time.