Pickens Teen Driving Accident Lawyer

A teen driver is generally inexperienced and may be learning the rules of the road for the first time. Unfortunately, that also means that they can be a hazard for other drivers. If you or a loved one was injured in an accident with a teen driver, you might be entitled to receive compensation. You should not have to let medical bills pile up and pay for car repair bills just because someone else is a new driver.

Instead of handling your claim on your own, you help build your case by hiring an experienced and compassionate Pickens teen driving accident lawyer at Hammack Law Firm. To learn more about your legal options and what a lawyer can do for you, call Hammack Law Firm at (864) 326-3333(864) 326-3333. We can help relieve your worries and pursue the compensation that you need.

Teen Drivers Often Cause Accidents Because of Driver Error

The following are common causes of accidents with teen drivers:

Distracted Driving

This is a big problem for many drivers, but teen drivers might be even more likely to get distracted behind the wheel. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), distracted driving caused 2,841 fatalities in 2018. Accidents caused by distracted driving can cause the deaths of drivers, passengers, pedestrians, and cyclists.

Anything that causes you to take your eyes off the road and your focus away from driving is classified as distracted driving. Playing with the radio, talking to passengers, or using your cellphone are all risky activities that can take your attention away from the road long enough to cause an accident. Some young drivers do not realize how quickly something can go wrong at highway speeds and think that a momentary glance at their smartphone is fine. However, this behavior can easily cause an accident.

Inexperience

This brings us to another big factor in accidents that involve teen drivers. They might not grasp just how much of a responsibility operating a motor vehicle can be, leading them to engage in more reckless or careless behavior. They simply do not have the experience that other drivers have and might not realize just how dangerous habits like speeding, following other cars too closely, and blasting loud music can be.

Driving While Impaired

Driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol is always dangerous, yet some teen drivers participate in this risky behavior. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), drunk driving deaths and incidents have decreased by 54 percent since 1991. Still, about one in ten high school teenagers admitted to drinking and driving within the past 30 days.

There Are Multiple Types of Damages to Pursue

If you or a loved one suffered an injury in a car accident with a teen driver, bills can add up quickly. You may be able to sue for multiple types of damages, including:

Medical Damages

A car accident can mean hospital stays, trips to the doctor, a need for prescription medications, and even physical therapy. Even with insurance, these costs can add up, so you can pursue damages to cover your medical expenses.

Lost Wages

While you are recovering from your accident-related injuries, you might not be able to work. Missing out on multiple paychecks can create a financial strain for any family. You might be eligible for compensation covering these lost earnings. If your future earning potential has been affected by your accident, you may also be able to pursue additional damages.

A Loss of Enjoyment

An injury that leaves lasting damage might affect your ability to participate in an activity or hobby you once loved. This “loss of enjoyment” and inability to get back to your normal routine may also be covered by awards from your case.

Property Damages

If the costs of repairing your damaged vehicle are not adequately covered by an insurance settlement offer, you may choose to pursue compensation that covers the cost of fixing the damage that was done to your property.

Pain and Suffering

Any other pain and suffering not covered by the above damages may be considered as part of your compensation. You do not need a lawyer to pursue damages, but a Pickens teen driving accident lawyer can offer several legal services to help you with your case, and you will often recover more money than if you go it alone. An attorney may assist you by:

Filing Your Case

Unfortunately, you do not have an unlimited time to file a lawsuit for personal injury in the state of South Carolina. The South Carolina Code of Laws §15-3-530 generally gives you three years to pursue a case. That might seem like a lot of time, but as you are trying to recover from injuries and get back to your life, that time can pass by quickly. A lawyer can promptly file your case and make sure that you do not miss out on your chance to recover compensation.

Gathering Evidence

A lawyer may gather evidence that exhibits why you should be owed damages, whether that is information for a police report or eyewitness accounts of the accident.

Handling All Communications

Your attorney may handle all communications for you. They can talk to insurers and other involved parties, giving you updates on the progress of your case. You can go back to living your life and let a lawyer take care of the details.

Acting as Your Advocate

Perhaps most importantly of all, a lawyer may act as your advocate. They can determine fair compensation for your case and fight for it. They can also build your case for you to represent you in court if needed.

If you want to learn more about how a lawyer can be of assistance, contact Hammack Law Firm at (864) 326-3333(864) 326-3333.

Contact Hammack Law Firm for a Free Consultation

If you were in an accident with a teen driver and believe that you are owed compensation, there is no reason to go it alone. Contact Hammack Law Firm and ask for a free consultation today. When you call us at (864) 326-3333(864) 326-3333, you will get the chance to learn more about your legal options and what a Pickens teen driving accident lawyer can do for you.