- July 7, 2023
- Car Accidents
Accidents can happen to anyone, regardless of age. But what happens when the other driver involved in the accident is under 18? Are you still able to pursue legal action against them? Here, we’ll explore how a Charlotte accident lawyer can help if you a teen driver was responsible for your wreck.
How a Charlotte Accident Lawyer Can Help if the Other Driver Is a Teenager
According to the CDC, teens aged 16 to 19 face a higher risk of a car crash than any other age group. If you have been in a crash with a driver who is under 18, your Charlotte accident lawyer can help you get compensation.
Your lawyer can help you file a claim with the driver’s insurance company. If they refuse to pay your claim, they can always file a personal injury lawsuit against the other driver, their parents, or their insurance company.
Of course, your Charlotte car accident attorney must first investigate the accident to determine who was at fault. If the other driver was at fault, your lawyer will then need to prove that they were negligent in some way.
For example, if the other driver was speeding or texting while driving, this would be considered negligence. Once your lawyer has proven that the other driver was negligent and caused the accident, they will then work to negotiate a fair settlement with the other driver’s insurance company.
What to Do After an Accident Involving an Underage Driver
If you or a loved one have been involved in an accident with an underage driver, you need to take certain steps immediately following the crash.
- Make sure you call 911 regardless of how much the other driver begs you not to.
- You have to seek medical care right away, even if you think you’re fine.
- You should meet with a seasoned Charlotte car accident attorney as soon as possible after the accident.
An experienced Charlotte accident lawyer who can help you understand your legal rights and options after an accident involving an underage driver. Your attorney will fight for the maximum compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Can Your Charlotte Accident Lawyer Pursue the Defendant’s Parents for Damages?
If the other driver is under eighteen, your Charlotte accident lawyer can still pursue them for damages. In North Carolina, the legal age of majority is 18.
This means that any person under the age of 18 is considered a minor in the eyes of the law. As such, they are not held accountable for their actions in the same way that an adult would be. However, this does not mean that they are immune from liability.
The parents or guardian of a minor can be held financially responsible for their child’s actions. If the teen driver is found to be at fault for your accident, your lawyer can pursue their parents or guardian for damages. This includes medical bills, property damage, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
What Damages Can Your Charlotte Car Accident Attorney Demand on Your Behalf?
If you’ve been involved in a car accident, your Charlotte accident lawyer can pursue damages on your behalf.
Your lawyer will first assess the value of your claim and calculate the amount of damages you are owed. They will then send a demand letter to the other driver’s insurance company, outlining the damages you are seeking.
Your attorney can help you recover compensation for some or all of the following:
- Medical bills
- Future medical costs
- Lost wages
- Lost future income
- Physical pain and suffering
- Mental distress
If the insurance company refuses to pay out or only offers a low settlement, your lawyer may file suit against the other driver and their parents.
Contact Our Charlotte Accident Lawyers and Schedule Your Free Case Review
If you believe you have a valid claim against the other driver – regardless of their age – you should contact our Charlotte car accident lawyers right away. All you have to do is call our office at (704) 706-2689 and schedule your free, initial consultation.
If you don’t have an experienced Charlotte car accident attorney by your side, you may be at a serious disadvantage.
