Teen Driver Car Accidents

Teen Driving Accidents in Cape Cod

The Hyannis car accident lawyers at the Law Offices of John C. Manoog III represent clients in a wide range of motor vehicle collision cases, including those caused by inexperienced teens behind the wheel. With more than 146 years of combined legal experience, our seasoned attorneys have the background, skills, and ability to help clients maximize the amount of any monetary recovery to which they are entitled. We have a strong reputation in the legal community for fighting aggressively on behalf of our clients, and we are well known in the local area for providing personalized, comprehensive services for the people we represent.

Facts About Teens and Car Accidents

Car accidents are the leading cause of death for teens nationwide, according to the Centers for Disease Control, with roughly seven teens between the ages of 16 and 19 being killed in crashes every day. That’s in addition to the 280,000-plus teens injured in auto collisions each year. On a per mile basis, drivers ages 16 to 19 are three times more likely to be involved in an accident on the road than those over the age of 20.

Common Causes of Teen Driver Crashes

At the Law Offices of John C. Manoog III, we are acutely aware of the risks associated with teen drivers and we have decades of experience representing clients injured in these and other types of car accidents. Motor vehicle collisions are often the result of dangerous or distracted behavior behind the wheel, including:

• Speeding
• Drunk or impaired driving
• Neglecting to use turn signals when changing lanes
• Running red lights and stop signs
• Cell phone use
• Grooming
• Eating and drinking
• Talking to passengers
• Changing CDs or radio stations
• Reading maps or using a GPS
• Watching TV or other video

Teen Car Accidents and Negligence

Drivers generally owe other people on the road a duty of care, under which they are expected to operate their vehicles in a reasonably safe manner. When a driver fails to live up to this standard and causes an accident as a result, he or she is likely to be held legally liable for any related damages. An injured person who successfully sues an unsafe driver for negligence may be entitled to money damages for doctor and medical bills, missed wages, property damage and pain, suffering, and emotional distress. All drivers in Massachusetts are required to carry at least $8,000 in personal injury protection insurance, which may be used toward these and other damages.

The same “reasonable person” negligence standard applies to teen drivers as it does to adults. Teens are not compared to only other teens in determining whether their behavior behind the wheel is safe, but instead to the so-called “reasonable person” generally.

There are also some specific insurance and liability issues that often arise in accidents caused by teen drivers. For example, the crash is likely to trigger coverage under the vehicle owner’s (parent, etc.) auto insurance policy. If there’s not enough insurance money to cover the full amount of damages, an injured person may also seek to hold the teen driver’s parents liable, if there is evidence showing that they were somehow negligent in allowing their child to drive. In the event that the teen driver became impaired before driving, the owner of the home in which the teen consumed alcohol or drugs (whether it’s a parent or a third party) may also be subject to liability, either under a homeowner’s insurance policy or otherwise.

On Your Side

The attorneys at the Law Offices of John C. Manoog III have been representing people injured in car accidents caused by teen drivers and other motorists since 1994. We have helped countless clients get back on their feet after a crash by helping them obtain the monetary recovery they deserve. We are experienced lawyers who understand the intricacies of personal injury law and we know how to present your case in the most clear and compelling manner.

Among other victories, our lawyers have previously obtained settlements for clients in excess of $1 million. That includes a $1.56 million settlement for the family of a motorist killed in an accident, and $1.25 million for a client injured in a motorcycle accident. We understand the pain and stress that can come with a car crash – especially one caused by no fault of your own – and we work to give our clients the peace of mind that comes with knowing that we are out there fighting tirelessly on their behalf.

Experienced Representation for Accident Victims

Our Massachusetts personal injury attorneys don’t charge a fee in many cases unless we are successful. We also offer free consultations from offices in Plymouth and Hyannis and we are happy to travel to you if you can’t make it to our offices. Call us at (888) 262-6664 or contact us online to schedule a free initial consultation. Nós Falamos Português.