Teenage drivers in Sandy Springs are less experienced than most adult drivers. Unfortunately, they also tend to be overconfident in their abilities. Teens are more prone to distractions and small mistakes that can lead to severe accidents.
If you were hurt in a car accident with a teen driver, talk to a Sandy Springs teen driving accident lawyer. You might deserve full compensation for your accident and injury costs. At John Foy & Associates, we can determine if you have a case during a free consultation.
Our lawyers have been helping accident victims for over 20 years. As one of Georgia’s largest law firms, we know what it takes to build a successful case. To learn your options during a free consultation, call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online.
Teen Driving Requirements in Sandy Springs
Teen drivers range from ages 15 to 18. Teenagers in Sandy Springs can start earning their learner’s permit by age 15, but getting a full license takes time.
There is a three-step process under the Teenage and Adult Driver Responsibility Act (TADRA):
1. Learner’s Permit
Drivers can receive a learner’s permit at age 15. Teens must pass a written exam. They can only drive when someone 21 years or older with a full license is in the passenger seat.
2. Intermediate License
This license is for drivers between ages 16 and 18. Drivers must have had a learner’s permit for 12 months and passed a driving test. A 16-year-old who gets this license must finish an approved driver’s ed course and at least 40 hours of supervised driving. The driver must complete at least six of those hours at night.
There are other restrictions, as well:
- Teens with an intermediate license cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m.
- They cannot have anyone who is not a family member as a passenger during the first six months.
- For the next six months, the teen cannot have over one passenger under 21 years old.
- After the second six months, the teen cannot have over three passengers in the car.
3. Full Driver’s License
When a teen driver reaches age 18 (or older), they can apply for a full adult driver’s license. The teen must not have any major traffic convictions in the last year.
Teenagers must complete several steps to get their full license. However, some people believe that the requirements are pretty loose. Even when they meet the guidelines, teen drivers are still less experienced than others on the road.
If you were injured in a teen driving accident, you might wonder how to handle it. Dealing with a teen accident is often the same as an accident with an adult. But it’s best to contact a lawyer to learn all of the facts.
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How Teen Driving Accidents Happen
Teenage drivers must be careful every time they get behind the wheel. But teenagers are still developing. They are more likely to make careless decisions that can lead to an accident.
Common causes of car accidents with teens include:
- Speeding or driving too fast for conditions
- Failing to yield
- Running a red light
- Texting while driving
- Talking on the phone while driving
- Putting on makeup while driving
- Drunk or drugged driving
- Getting distracted by teen passengers
- Reckless or aggressive driving
Parents should stay involved in their teens’ driving behavior. Since young drivers are still learning, parents need to monitor when their teens drive. They should also make sure their children are following the laws at all times.
How You Can Seek Compensation After a Car Accident
If a teenage driver caused your accident, you have rights. Typically, the at-fault driver in a car accident is liable for the damages. As the injury victim, you could file an insurance claim or lawsuit to recover your costs.
Although teens are young, they are not off the hook for mistakes they make while driving. However, the parents of drivers under age 18 could be responsible for their teen’s behavior.
Family Purpose Doctrine and Teen Accidents
Georgia has something called the Family Purpose Doctrine. Under the Official Code of Georgia Annotated (OCGA) §51-2-2, parents can be liable for injuries caused by their child. As an injury victim, you might be able to sue a teen driver’s parents after a teen driving accident if the teen is younger than 18.
Depending on the details, you might not be able to pursue compensation from the driver. However, you might still be able to seek financial recovery from the family. This typically means filing a claim with the parents’ auto insurance company. If the insurance company doesn’t settle, you can bring a lawsuit for what you deserve.
To get help with your teen driving accident case, contact John Foy & Associates. We can determine your best legal options and help you build a strong claim. Call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online for a free consultation.
Claiming Damages After a Teen Accident
If you didn’t cause your accident, you can seek recovery for your costs like:
- Doctor and hospital bills
- Prescription medication costs
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning capacity
- Vehicle repairs or replacement
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
Consider all of the ways the accident has affected your life. If the teen driver hadn’t made a mistake, you wouldn’t have the damages you do. You’ll need to add up all of your damages before filing a claim.
An experienced lawyer can account for all of your accident costs. That includes physical and emotional suffering you have because of the accident and your injuries.
How a Sandy Springs Teen Driving Accident Lawyer Can Help
If a teenage driver caused your car accident, you might still have compensation options. Talk to a Sandy Springs teen driving accident lawyer today about what you can do.
John Foy & Associates can help. We will investigate the details of your crash and determine your recovery options. We’re not afraid to stand up to the insurance company and fight for what you deserve.
We do not get paid unless we win you money. So, you can start working with us and not worry about risky costs. Call us at (404) 400-4000 or contact us online to get started with a free consultation.
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