Car Accidents Caused by Teen Drivers in Gulfport

Teens are inexperienced drivers and are more prone to risky driving behaviors, such as speeding and distracted driving. Young male drivers are disproportionately involved in car crashes, including fatal crashes. If you have been injured or lost a loved one in a collision caused by a teenage driver in Gulfport, Mississippi, you should talk to an experienced personal injury attorney. You may have a right to seek compensation for medical expenses and other losses from the at-fault driver’s auto insurance.

The teen driver accident lawyers at Haug, Farrar, Franco & Ruiz, PLLC, are here to fight on your behalf for full and fair compensation. We understand the challenges posed by teen driving accidents and what it takes to succeed. We handle cases for car accident victims on a contingency fee basis. Contact us today at (228) 872-8752 for your free consultation to review your legal options.

How a Gulfport Car Accident Lawyer Can Help in Teen Driver Cases

Car crashes involving teen drivers differ from other accident claims. Young drivers involved in collisions might not own the vehicle they were driving. They may be listed on their parents’ automobile insurance rather than having their own policy. They may not have full driving privileges. Fortunately, you don’t have to deal with all these potential complications on your own. Our Gulfport car accident lawyers can help you by taking the following steps:

• Investigating motor vehicle crashes – We review the police crash report, eyewitness accounts, photos from the scene, surveillance footage, and other evidence to get a complete picture of how the accident happened. This thorough investigation helps identify who caused the collision and the insurance policies available to provide compensation.
• Calculating your losses – It’s crucial to take into account all your losses from the crash. We examine your medical records, consult with your doctors about your anticipated ongoing medical treatment needs, and calculate your present and future loss of income due to the harm you’ve suffered.
• Handling the insurance companies – The insurance company representing the teen driver may offer you a quick settlement. These offers are typically a fraction of the claim’s value. Our law firm will handle all communication and settlement negotiations with the insurers on your behalf, allowing you to concentrate on healing.
• Preparing your case for trial – Most car accident claims are settled without going to trial. But being prepared to go to court shows the insurance companies that you’re serious about receiving fair compensation. Our trial attorneys have extensive courtroom experience, which we use to our clients’ advantage.

Why Teen Driver Accidents Are Common in Gulfport

Many young driver crashes in Gulfport involve high school students. These new drivers are still developing their skills behind the wheel and are less likely to recognize dangerous traffic situations. For example, many teens struggle to judge speed, anticipate other drivers’ actions, and react quickly in emergencies. Gulfport roads can have heavy traffic, especially near Highway 49, I-10, and US 90.

Distractions play a significant role in many car accidents involving teen drivers. Loud music , cell phones, and passengers can distract a teen driver from the task of driving. Some teens engage in dangerous behaviors such as driving too fast, following too closely, or taking risks at intersections. These behaviors increase crash risk.

Finally, nighttime driving and bad weather can present challenges. Adult drivers have more experience than teen drivers in handling adverse conditions such as wet roads and limited visibility. Rain, glare, and low visibility can lead to mistakes that cause traffic crashes and serious injuries.

Common Causes of Car Accidents Involving Teen Drivers

Some common causes of teen driving accidents include:

• Speeding – Driving at unsafe speeds may cause teen drivers to lose control and reduce their ability to stop in time to avoid a collision.
• Texting or talking on cellphones – Even a few seconds of distraction, such as a glance at a text message, can cause teen drivers to fail to see a stopped car or other hazard in front of them.
• Driving with teen passengers – Friends in a passenger vehicle can divert a young driver’s attention from the road, causing them to miss nearby dangers or other vehicles.
• Following too closely – Many new drivers leave too little space between cars. Following another car too closely can limit a driver’s ability to stop in time to avoid a crash, particularly at higher speeds.
• Running red lights or stop signs – Teenage drivers may rush through an intersection or fail to notice a sign, which can lead to high-impact crashes and pedestrian deaths.
• Making unsafe lane changes – It’s common for teens to skip mirror checks or fail to signal when changing lanes. This careless behavior can cause a sideswipe crash or force another driver to brake hard.
• Driving at night – Darkness makes it harder to see road hazards, pedestrians in intersections, and other cars. Teen drivers don’t always adjust their behavior to account for these dangers. Similarly, fatigue can slow teenage drivers’ reaction times.
• Not adjusting to inclement weather – A teen driver may skid during braking or turning in wet weather because they don’t realize how rain can reduce traction and visibility.

What Steps Should You Take After an Accident Involving a Teen Driver?

You should report the collision to the police and seek medical treatment for your injuries. Once you’ve seen a doctor, follow these steps to protect your legal rights after a teen driver car accident:

• Follow your doctor’s treatment plan and keep all follow-up appointments.
• Request copies of your medical records, discharge papers, and bills.
• Write down your symptoms each day and make a note of how the injuries affect your routine.
• Save receipts and records for out-of-pocket costs, including medications and rides to appointments.
• Get a copy of the police crash report and review it for accuracy.
• Keep photos of your injuries and vehicle damage.
• Avoid commenting on the crash or your injuries on social media.
• Talk with a teen driver accident lawyer to discuss your legal options.

How Fault Is Determined in Teen Driver Car Accidents

In teen driver car accident claims in Mississippi, the driver whose careless or dangerous actions caused the collision is typically found at fault. However, the drivers and their insurers may disagree over how the crash happened or who was responsible. Insurance adjusters determine fault by reviewing the available evidence, such as:

• The police crash report
• Photos from the scene
• Surveillance footage
• Witness accounts
• Expert testimony
• Road debris
• Cellphone records
• Dash camera footage

How Auto Insurance Works in Teen Driver Accidents

Mississippi requires that all drivers have liability insurance. Many parents find it more affordable to list teenage drivers on their auto insurance policy rather than buy their teen a separate auto policy. After a collision, the at-fault driver and their insurance company are responsible for the harm they caused to the other driver.

One point to note in these cases is that being partly responsible for a crash does not preclude you from seeking compensation. Under Section 11-7-15 of the Mississippi Code, you can pursue compensation for an accident as long as you are not solely responsible. However, if you share blame for the accident, your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you’re 15 percent liable for the crash, you would lose 15 percent of your compensation.

Are Parents Liable for Accidents Caused by Teen Drivers in Mississippi?

Parent liability for a teen driver car accident in Mississippi is a complicated subject and must be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Generally, parents are held responsible for collisions their children cause if the driver is under 17. That means parents are only liable if the teen is 16 years old or younger. Additionally, only the parent who signed the minor’s permit application is liable.

If the driver is 17 and has their own insurance policy, their parents are unlikely to be liable. However, many young drivers have auto insurance through their parents’ policy. In that case, the parents’ insurance company would be financially responsible for any accidents caused by the teen driver.

What Compensation Can Accident Victims Recover?

A teen driver car accident claim can seek money for the following types of expenses and losses:

• Past and future medical expenses
• Lost income and reduced future earnings due to the accident
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• The cost to repair or replace your car

Talk to Our Gulfport Car Accident Lawyers Today

Our Gulfport personal injury lawyers have served Mississippi since 2014. Our legal team has over 50 years of cumulative legal experience. We’re proud of the results we’ve achieved for our clients, which include multiple six- and seven-figure settlements. Moreover, we put all our full resources into fighting for our clients. That effort shows in the feedback we receive. Here’s what one recent client said about their experience with our firm:

“I had a very positive experience working with Haug, Farrar, Franco, & Ruiz. Their team was professional, knowledgeable, and responsive throughout the entire process. They took the time to explain everything clearly and helped guide me through a difficult situation with care and confidence. I truly appreciated their support and would recommend this firm to anyone in need of legal representation.” — Newbill J.

If you’re ready to discuss your case with our attorneys, we’re ready to listen. Get a free consultation today by calling (228) 872-8752 or completing our contact form.