For new drivers, nothing is more exciting than finally having the opportunity to get behind the wheel. But for a more experienced driver, the thought of having inexperienced drivers on the road can be a cause for concern, let alone getting in a crash with someone with a learner’s permit.
Dealing with the aftermath of an auto accident is stressful enough – having to navigate the situation with a permit driver could prove more challenging. So it’s a good idea to have experts on your team handle legal and insurance matters for you. If you are involved in an accident with a permit driver, seek the help of an experienced legal professional to help prove fault and recover a rightful settlement. You have a bigger chance of obtaining the compensation you deserve with a knowledgeable car accident attorney by your side.
This blog breaks down everything you need to know about being involved in a vehicular accident with a new driver.
How Did the Accident Happen?
The situation surrounding the incident is the first thing to look into when determining liability for a car accident involving a permitted driver. For example, if the driver with the learner’s permit caused the accident through a negligent act, such as distracted driving and speeding, they could be held liable for it.
There is no legal requirement for parents to get insurance for their teenagers with learner’s permits, but the parent’s liability insurance policy should still apply. However, they need to notify their insurance company before their teen goes on the road.
Parental Liability for Teen Accidents in Texas
Parents of teen drivers can be held liable for crashes in many cases. The parents are not automatically declared responsible for the negligence of their teens, but the State Bar of Texas states that parents can be held accountable for the accident when the “negligent conduct of the child is reasonably attributable to the negligent failure of the parent or other persons to exercise his or her duty of control and reasonable discipline of the child.”
An excellent example is when a parent allows their teen to drive without the supervision of an adult, parent or guardian, which is a situation outside the limitations of the permit. The accompanying adult must also be over 21 years old to be considered a valid guardian for the underage driver. When the learner’s permit holder causes a crash in this scenario, the parent can be held liable for damages caused by the teenager’s negligence. This is true even in cases involving fully licensed teens.
When involved in a crash with a driver who holds a learner’s permit, a car accident attorney can help you prove fault and recover a settlement.
Building a case involving a new driver is a complex process. Insurance companies must be involved in determining who should pay for the damages resulting from the vehicular disaster. To make matters worse, insurance companies are notorious for being difficult to deal with when it’s time to approve and process claims. So it’s in your best interest to have an expert by your side to guide you through the entire legal process.
Hiring a vehicle accident lawyer gives you the best chances of winning the case. Legal professionals deal with these situations daily, making them highly capable of building a solid case on your behalf.
Work With a Skilled Texas Car Accident Attorney
Being involved in an accident is stressful. But when a learner’s permit driver caused the incident, the intricacies and nuances surrounding liability makes the situation doubly hard. Without the proper support, it’s difficult for you to claim compensation for your sustained damages.
If you know that you were not to blame for the accident, you must employ the services of a vehicle accident lawyer as soon as possible. A legal professional can help you build your case by establishing liability, identifying sources of compensation and negotiating your settlement. Call the Law Offices of David Kohm today at our convenient locations and get a free consultation.
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