Although allowing a teenager to drive independently is an important step toward adulthood, it also can be a frightening time for parents. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in 2018, about 285,000 teen drivers were treated in emergency departments after car accidents.
If your teen was involved in an accident, call the Morris Bart law firm to learn how we can help. As a Baton Rouge auto accident lawyer, we will defend your right to seek compensation. For a free review of your case, contact our team today at (225) 341-5694.
Rules for Teenage Drivers
In the state of Louisiana, teenage drivers must follow certain rules and laws that do not apply to older drivers. Some of the rules that apply to teen drivers, according to the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission (HSC), include:
- Use of smartphones: Drivers under 17 years old cannot use any wireless communications device for texting or calling while driving, other than in particular emergency situations.
- Alcohol or drug use: Drivers under 21 years of age must follow a BAC limit of 0.02% to legally operate a motor vehicle, which compares to a BAC limit of 0.08% for drivers 21 years of age and older.
- Use of Headphones: Teen drivers are not allowed to wear headsets or headphones while driving.
- Graduated licensing: Drivers ages 15 to 17 may be subject to certain limitations regarding when and how they are allowed to drive. Limits are lifted after they complete a year of driving without citations or at-fault accidents.
For a free legal consultation with a Teen Driving Accident lawyer serving Baton Rouge, call 800-537-8185
Factors that Lead to Teen Driving Accidents
Teenage drivers who have not been driving very long may not understand the rules of the road as well as older drivers do. Other factors that can lead to an accident include:
- Distractions: A teen driver may be playing music loudly or driving with several friends in the car, causing him or her to stop paying attention to the road ahead. This could lead to a potential collision.
- Violating traffic laws: A young driver may not be completely sure about certain traffic signs or rules, meaning they may violate the law without realizing it. This can increase the chance of a serious collision, as other drivers may not be able to anticipate and react to the teen driver’s mistake.
- Poor vehicle maintenance: A teenage driver may not know to inspect the car for balding or low tires or may not recognize the signs of brakes that are beginning to wear out. In such a situation, the teen’s vehicle may suffer a major malfunction, leading to a crash.
Any of these situations could lead to an accident in which your teen can suffer serious injuries.
Negotiating with Insurance Companies
When an inexperienced teen driver makes a mistake behind the wheel, they could be involved in a serious accident, creating the possibility of severe injuries for themselves and for others involved. If this happened to your teen, they may be able to seek compensation. This may take the form of compensation for their medical bills, lost wages if they are employed, emotional trauma, and any reduction in their quality of life.
At the Morris Bart law firm, our personal injury attorneys know just how frustrating it can be to have your family’s life turned upside down after an injury accident. We can seek compensation for your teen’s medical expenses and other losses, negotiating with insurance companies so that you don’t have to.
If we can’t settle with the insurance company, we are prepared to take your case to court.
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The Statute of Limitations’ Role in Your Case
According to the Louisiana Civil Code (CC) §3492, those who suffer injuries due to someone’s negligence have up to one year to file a personal injury claim. You do not have to settle within a year, but you do have to begin the process. If you miss the deadline, you lose your right to bring your case to court.
A lawyer can build a case, and make sure you meet the deadline. For a free consultation, call the Morris Bart law firm at (225) 341-5694 today. Although you have a year after the crash to file your lawsuit, we recommend starting the process as early as possible.
A Baton Rouge teen driving accident lawyer with our law firm, will investigate the facts in the case and fight for compensation.
We Are Ready to Work Tirelessly for a Settlement
Because of their inexperience behind the wheel, a teenager may be more susceptible to making a mistake or not reacting to a dangerous situation fast enough to avoid an accident. If your teen was injured in an accident, the Morris Bart law firm can help determine what happened, and make sure you understand your legal rights.
As a Baton Rouge teen driving accident lawyer, we work on a contingency fee basis. This means we do not take payment until the case reaches a settlement. If we do not secure an award for you, we do not receive payment. We will fight to help you seek a settlement that reflects your teen’s health conditions, both in the present and in the future.
The team at the Morris Bart law firm will negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf, giving your family the time and space needed to focus on more important things. Should the insurer refuse to come to a fair settlement, we will stand by your side in a trial. Call us at (225) 341-5694 as soon as possible for a free review of your case with an attorney.
Questions?Call 800-537-8185
to find a Morris Bart office near you.
