Most of today’s teens have driven a car by the time they reach 18. Although not all teens drive, they are at more risk of getting into car accidents. According to statistics presented by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), close to 300,000 teens get treated for injuries from car accidents.
One of the most common causes of accidents among teenagers is inexperience, even though it is common to see teenagers driving themselves to school or parties. They often travel in groups, which increases the number of casualties when accidents happen. Some auto accident injuries are very serious and may even result in the amputation of limbs or loss of life. A Carmel teen driving accident lawyer will help you if you or your loved one gets into an accident. Contact our personal injury team at Sevenish Law Firm, P.C., by calling us at (317) 636-7777 today.
Recoverable Damages in an Indiana Teen Driving Accident in Carmel, IN
You likely have financial and non-financial expenses from the accident that you can recover from the liable party. A Carmel injury lawyer on our team can review your losses and assign a dollar amount that you can pursue from the person who caused the crash. Recoverable expenses include:
- Medical and rehabilitation expenses, including emergency care and ongoing treatment
- Lost income, including bonuses, commissions, tips, and benefits, such as personal time off (PTO)
- Lost or reduced earning ability if your accident injuries prevent you from working or require you to take another job
- Vehicle repair or replacement costs
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Scarring, disfigurement, and disability
- Loss of life enjoyment
Wrongful Death Damages
Sometimes, Indiana teen driving crashes can fatally injure someone. If you lost a loved one in the accident, we would be honored to be there for you and your family and help you seek legal action against the party that caused the accident.
A Carmel wrongful death attorney from our firm can explain more about how these actions work in Indiana during a free consultation. Recoverable wrongful death damages include funeral and burial expenses, the decedent’s medical expenses, lost household income, and other losses.
For a free legal consultation with a teen driving accidents lawyer serving Carmel, call 317-636-7777
Common Causes of Road Accidents Among Teens
Some of the causes of car accidents among teens include:
- Driving while under the influence of alcohol
- Aggressive driving
- Driving too fast
- Poor weather conditions
- Mechanical issues
- Getting distracted while driving
Teens engaging in drinking may drive under the influence of alcohol. This behavior increases the likelihood that they will get involved in car accidents. Alcohol impairs one’s ability and makes it hard for the driver to drive safely, adhere to traffic rules, or even see other vehicles on the road.
Reckless Driving Behavior
Aggressive driving and overspeeding are also common causes of car accidents among teens. These causes are because teens are more adventurous and may engage in car races. Driving faster than the posted speed limit makes it harder for the driver to control the vehicle. It also makes it very hard for them to hit the brakes in time to avoid an accident if other cars are on the road.
Driving in Inclement Weather
Driving in poor weather conditions can be challenging for Indiana teen drivers. This is because they are not experienced drivers, which makes it hard for them to recognize warning signs and operate their vehicles safely. The car’s mechanical issues may also lead to accidents. For instance, failing brakes may cause a vehicle to collide with another. Such mechanical issues are fixable through proper maintenance, but some teenagers may not understand that they must take their cars in for service and regular maintenance.
Distracted Driving
Because they are inexperienced, teenagers may not truly respect the dangers of driving and could allow themselves to become distracted. For instance, they may make or receive calls while behind the wheel. These actions seem harmless, but they are deadly when they distract the driver. Distracted driving may cause severe injuries or even the death of passengers or the driver.
Carmel Teen Driving Accident Lawyer Near Me 317-636-7777
Determining Who Is at Fault in a Teen Driving Accident in Indiana
Teen driving accidents usually involve multiple parties. Determining who the victims are and who is at fault requires evidence. If you are the aggrieved party, you will need to show how the defendant was responsible for the accident. In some cases, the victim may share some of the responsibility per IC § 34-51-2-5, et seq. For instance, a driver suing the government for poor roads, yet he or she was drunk driving. Such a case does not mean that the driver will get nothing. He or she may get compensated to a certain degree as decided by the court.
A car crash lawyer in Carmel can help determine fault and protect your rights after a teen driving accident. A lawyer will provide legal counsel throughout your case. Additionally, they will build or defend your case by doing the following:
- Collecting evidence from the scene of the accident
- Talking or interviewing witnesses who were there when the accident happened
- Invite expert witnesses to testify
- Conduct further investigations into the accident
- Negotiate with different parties, such as insurance companies
- File your case in good time and handle various responsibilities, such as presenting your medical records in court
A Carmel teen driving accident lawyer with our injury firm will examine every legal aspect of your case. The compensation you could receive will help you cover medical expenses and repair property damage. You may even be eligible to receive compensation for your pain and suffering. Contact one of our Carmel teen driving accident lawyers at Sevenish Law Firm, P.C. by calling us at (317) 636-7777 today.
Click to contact our Carmel Teen Driving Car Accident Lawyer today
Contact a Carmel Car Accident Lawyer After Your Accident
The time to get in touch with our car accident lawyer after an accident is as soon as possible. This is, of course, after you get medical attention for any injuries you have suffered. Waiting is not advisable. We do not recommend waiting because crucial evidence is usually lost or tampered with after the accident. Also, the statute of limitations, IC § 34-11-2-4, allows you two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit to pursue damages through the courts. If you miss this deadline, you may be unable to collect compensation for your losses.
Contacting a lawyer as soon as possible helps you avoid breaking the statute of limitations. More importantly, it gives your lawyer more time to build a strong case.
Complete a Free Case Evaluation form now
Get in Touch With a Carmel Teen Driving Accident Lawyer Today
Teens ages 16 to 19 often get involved in more car accidents than some adults. Getting compensated after a car accident can be difficult to do while you heal from your injuries. Get in touch with a Carmel teen driving accident lawyer at Sevenish Law Firm, P.C., They will handle every detail in your case and seek fair compensation for you. Call our law office serving Carmel, IN, today at (317) 636-7777.
Call or text 317-636-7777 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form