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It is a statistical fact that teenagers get involved in more traffic accidents compared to adult drivers. On top of that, people who get hurt in wrecks caused by negligent teen drivers often have a uniquely complicated path toward civil recovery, especially if the teenager who directly injured them was driving a vehicle owned and insured by someone else.
When it comes to getting favorable results from cases built around teen driving accidents in Bala Cynwyd, there is no substitute for assistance from an experienced auto accident attorney. From beginning to end of your legal proceedings, your dedicated legal representative can work to build the strongest evidence-based claim possible while also helping to avoid common legal and procedural pitfalls along the way.
Who Is Liable for a Teen Driver’s Negligence?
Technically, a teenage driver can be held directly and solely liable for an accident they cause through their own misconduct just like any other licensed driver. In practice, teenage drivers rarely own their own vehicles, let alone their own independent insurance policies for the vehicle(s) they drive, so recovering financially after a teen driving crash in Bala Cynwyd mainly involves insurance claims filed under policies held by that teenager’s parent(s) or guardian(s) in most situations.
In addition to being a matter of practicality, parental liability for teen driving crashes is also enshrined in Pennsylvania law, specifically under 23 Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes § 5502. Likewise, if a parent or guardian knowingly—or in some cases, unknowingly but negligently—allows a minor to operate their own motor vehicle, they will generally hold vicarious liability for any harm that minor causes through a traffic collision. A qualified attorney can go into detail about who might be liable for a specific wreck during a confidential consultation.
Understanding No-Fault Car Insurance
In Pennsylvania, all motor vehicle owners—including those allowing teen drivers to operate their vehicle(s)—must purchase an auto insurance policy with personal injury protection (PIP) coverage, which provides reimbursement up to policy limits for crash-related medical bills and car repairs experienced by someone covered under the policy. This coverage is available on a “no-fault” basis and does not require anyone to be proven at fault for the accident first.
Depending on whether someone has limited or full car insurance coverage, referred to as limited or full tort, Pennsylvania law may limit the right of someone hurt in a teen driving car accident in Bala Cynwyd to file a civil lawsuit over accident-related damages not already covered by insurance, unless they sustain a serious injury from the wreck. Guidance from knowledgeable legal counsel can be vital to understanding and effectively navigating around these rules in pursuit of fair financial restitution following a crash.
Talk to a Bala Cynwyd Attorney About a Possible Teen Driving Accident Claim Today
Teen drivers have less experience behind the wheel compared to adult drivers, and they are also more likely to get distracted or otherwise act irresponsibly while driving. Given all that, it is hardly surprising that teen driving accidents in Bala Cynwyd are common, but many people do end up surprised by how challenging it can be to seek financial compensation in the wake of a wreck.
That is where a skilled lawyer can step in to assist you with enforcing your rights under Pennsylvania law and achieving a positive resolution from your unique claim. Learn more by calling today and scheduling a consultation.
