Every teenager looks forward to the day they can have the independence of driving. Teenagers as young as 15 can begin learning how to drive as long as they pass the test for their learner’s permit. Once the learning requirements are met, and the child reaches 16 years old, they can test for an initial license. This license has restrictions like the number of passengers, and stricter mobile device usage while being at the wheel. With up to 30 percent of motor vehicle accident costs attested to teen drivers, there is a chance you may get into an accident with someone driving as young as 16 years old.
Getting a Driver’s License
Anyone who operates a vehicle legally had to work to get a driver’s license. After obtaining a learner’s permit, the teenager must practice driving with a licensed adult for fifty hours. Ten of those hours must be done at night. Once the minimum of driving hours has been reached, and the permit has been active for at least nine months, a 16-year-old may receive an initial driver’s license. A full license can be applied for between the ages of 18 and 20.
When a teen driver gets into a car accident, they are usually covered by their parent’s car insurance. In North Carolina, the minimum liability insurance coverage for car accidents is $30,000 for bodily injury to or death of one person; $60,000 for bodily injury to or death of one or more persons; and $25,000 for injury to or destruction of property of others in any one accident. When adding a teen driver, some parents may increase their insurance above the minimum.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Protection, six teenagers between the ages of 16 and 19 die every day as a result of motor vehicle accidents. Teen drivers are more likely to get into accidents than adult drivers because of a lack of experience behind the wheel. Other common causes on top of that are distracted driving, speeding, and driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.
The latter has become an extremely tragic issue. According to studies, 50 percent of all teens involved in fatal car crashes are under the influence of alcohol, marijuana, or both. There are thousands of teens killed every year in this country from drunk driving crashes.
Contact a Carolinas Car Accident Attorney
Whether from driver error or reckless driving behaviors, if you have been injured in a car accident caused by a teen driver, contact a North Carolina car accident attorney to find out what legal recourse you may have against the at-fault driver and any other party that may be responsible. Call Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp to schedule a free consultation and find out what legal options you may have.
Our N.C. injury firm will work with you to ensure that you receive the financial compensation you may be entitled to for your injuries, including damages for medical expenses, loss of income, pain, emotional distress, and other losses you have suffered.
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