Young drivers are inexperienced and cannot always be trusted to behave carefully and appropriately behind the wheel of a motor vehicle. If you get hurt in a car accident caused by a teen driver in Las Vegas, Nevada, the age of the driver can complicate your car insurance process. You may need assistance and representation from an experienced car accident lawyer in Las Vegas to achieve a fair case outcome.
Why Are Teen Drivers So Dangerous?
Motor vehicle drivers ages 15 to 19 represent a highly dangerous class of motorists. From a car accident standpoint, teenage drivers are statistically more likely than other age groups to be involved in fatal collisions. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that the risk of car accidents is higher among teens ages 16 to 19 than any other age group. One of the main risk factors of a teen driver causing an accident is inexperience. Safely operating a motor vehicle gets easier with time and real-world driving experience, which a new driver simply doesn’t possess. Furthermore, teen drivers are more likely to engage in risky behind-the-wheel activities, such as texting and other cell phone use, reckless driving, drunk driving, and not wearing a seat belt.
Common Causes of Teen Driver Accidents in Las Vegas
Motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of teenage deaths in the United States. In 2023, 3,048 teenagers ages 13 to 19 lost their lives in motor vehicle accidents, according to statistics from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Common causes of accidents caused by teen drivers in Las Vegas include:
- Distracted driving
- Social media scrolling
- Speeding or racing
- Peer pressure and reckless driving
- Drowsy driving (fatigue)
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Red-light running and other traffic violations
Even if a teenager is paying attention to the road and trying to drive carefully, he or she may lack the skills and experience to respond to hazards quickly and appropriately. This is especially true in non-ideal driving conditions, such as bad weather or nighttime.
Who Pays for an Accident Caused By a Teenager in Nevada?
As in any car accident case in Nevada, if you wish to recover financial compensation from the other driver’s car insurance company, you must prove that he or she is at fault. This typically means proving negligence, or showing with evidence that the other driver fell below the accepted standard of care. Car accident cases involving teen drivers in Las Vegas, however, have the added complication of vicarious liability. This is a legal doctrine that holds parents or legal guardians responsible for the negligence of minors. Under this rule, you may be able to bring a claim against the parents and not just the teen driver. According to Nevada Revised Statute § 483.300, parents who sign a minor’s driver’s license application can be held vicariously liable for car accidents the teenager causes. Parents become legally responsible for any “negligence or willful misconduct of a minor” that results in a motor vehicle collision. The parents’ automobile insurance policy will cover most teen driver claims.
When to Get Legal Help for a Teen Driver Accident in Las Vegas
A successful car accident claim following a teen driver collision in Las Vegas could provide you with financial compensation for your medical bills, property damage, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. If you wish to maximize your settlement or judgment award, the most effective route is by hiring an experienced Las Vegas personal injury lawyer to represent you. Help from an attorney can allow you to fully understand and protect your rights as the victim of a teen driver accident. Your attorney can gather evidence against the young driver to prove negligence, negotiate with insurance claims adjusters for you and help you navigate the doctrine of vicarious liability as it applies to your case. For a free consultation about a recent teen driver crash in Las Vegas, contact Koch & Brim, LLP. We can help you know what to expect from the claims process and what steps to take next.